Lesson eLearning

What is the smallest integer that must be added to so that the resulting number is a perfect square? State the integer and the perfect square obtained.

hard 3 marks Class 10 · Mathematics · Real Numbers
Answer
The smallest integer is , and .

The correct answer is The smallest integer is , and . — Thus adding to gives the perfect square , which equals .

Step-by-step solution

  1. Find the integer part of .
  2. Since and , lies between and .
  3. The next perfect square greater than is .
  4. Calculate the difference: .
  5. Thus adding to gives the perfect square , which equals .
Common mistake: Using the floor of the square root (41) instead of the ceiling, which would give a negative or zero difference.

Concept tested: Completing to the next perfect square

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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