WAEC Further Mathematics 2007 Question 23

Question 23

Polynomials

Find the value of p which will make (x2 − x + p) a perfect square.

  1. A.−½
  2. B.¼
  3. C.½
  4. D.1
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (¼)

Explanation

x² − x + ¼ = (x − ½)², so p = ¼ (half the x-coefficient, squared).