Problem 33 - Algebra A Combined Function

Question

Add the proper constant to each binomial so that the resulting trinomial is a perfect square trinomial. Then factor the trinomial. $$ r^{2}-r $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Add \(\frac{1}{4}\) to obtain \(\left(r - \frac{1}{2}\right)^2\).

Step 1: Identify the Coefficient of the Linear Term

In the expression \(r^2 - r\), we identify the linear term as \(-r\). The coefficient is \(-1\).

Step 2: Calculate the Proper Constant

To make the expression a perfect square trinomial, calculate \(\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^2\). This results in \(\frac{1}{4}\).

Step 3: Modify the Expression

Add the constant \(\frac{1}{4}\) to the expression: \(r^2 - r + \frac{1}{4}\).

Step 4: Factor the Trinomial

The expression \(r^2 - r + \frac{1}{4}\) is a perfect square trinomial. It can be written as \(\left(r - \frac{1}{2}\right)^2\).

Key Concepts

Understanding Binomials

A binomial is a simplified polynomial that consists of exactly two terms. In mathematics, these terms are connected by either a plus or a minus sign. For example, in the given exercise, the expression \( r^2 - r \) is a binomial because it has two distinct terms: \( r^2 \) and \(-r\). When working with binomials, especially in problems involving perfect square trinomials, we often need to transform them into trinomials by adding a third term, making it easier to factor or manipulate.
Binomials are foundational in algebra and play a critical role in various mathematical operations, such as:

• Expansion using formulas like \((a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \)
• Factoring, where they can be the result of factored expressions like \((x - 2)(x + 3) = x^2 + x - 6 \)

Getting familiar with binomials and their attributes is the first step towards understanding more complex algebraic expressions.

Factoring Trinomials into Binomials

Factoring trinomials is the process of rewriting a trinomial as the product of two binomial expressions. For the perfect square trinomial, the process becomes straightforward when we can write it in the form \( (ax + b)^2 \). For instance, after adding the correct constant, our trinomial \( r^2 - r + \frac{1}{4} \) turned into a perfect square trinomial.
Here's what to remember:

• Trinomials in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \) can often be factored into two binomials, \((mx + n)(px + q)\), where \( m \cdot p = a \) and solving the rest involves ensuring correct coefficients for the linear term and constant.
• With perfect square trinomials, once transformed, are incredibly easy to factor, because they usually simplify directly into \((x \pm y)^2\), parting the expression into a binomial squared.

In our exercise, after modifying the binomial \( r^2 - r \) into the trinomial \( r^2 - r + \frac{1}{4} \), it factored neatly into \( (r - \frac{1}{2})^2 \). This shows the elegance and simplicity of working with perfect square trinomials.

Coefficient of Linear Term

The coefficient of the linear term is a crucial component in algebra, particularly when working with polynomials like trinomials and binomials. In the expression \(r^2 - r\), the linear term is \(-r\), with its coefficient being \(-1\). This numerical value tells us what the linear component is multiplied by and is essential for performing operations like completing the square.
Key aspects about coefficients:

• The coefficient gives scale to the variable’s part of the term; for example, \( -r \) means \( r \) is multiplied by \(-1\).
• It's especially important when trying to create a perfect square trinomial because the constant added (to achieve the perfect square form) directly relates to half of the linear term's coefficient squared. In this case, \((-1/2)^2 = 1/4\).

This understanding allows you to systematically adjust a binomial into a trinomial, assuring it can be factored into a squared binomial, efficiently reaching solutions in algebraic problems.