First, students will learn how to identify perfect square trinomials. For example: Is \(25x^2 + 20x + 4\) a perfect square trinomial? Next, students will learn how to factor perfect square trinomials. For example: Factor \(x^2 - 12x + 36.\) Here's a slightly harder example: Factor \(25x^4 - 30x^2 + 9.\) For a lesson, watch this, then read this. Here's practice. And here's a couple more interesting problems:
Determine the value of \(k,\) that would make each trinomial a perfect square:
- \(4x^2 + kx + 9\)
- \(9x^2 - 12x + k\)
Here's the solution.
Conclude by giving your students these challenges: