SOLUTION: can you help me express the following as (x+a)^2+b the equation is x^2+6x-1

Question 904561: can you help me express the following as (x+a)^2+b the equation is x^2+6x-1
Answer by Theo(13342) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
you need to complete the squares.

start with x^2 + 6x - 1

take half the coefficient of the x term and use it to form the factors of (x+3)^2

now take half the coefficient of the x term and square it and subtract it from the result.

you get x^2 + 6x - 1 = (x+3)^2 - 9 - 1 which results in (x+3)^2 - 10.

if you look at what you did, take (x+3)^2 and perform the operation to get x^2 + 6x + 9

your equation becomes x^2 + 6x + 9 - 10

once you combine like terms you are left with x^2 + 6x - 1 which is your original equation.

RELATED QUESTIONS
Hello, How would I do the following: 1. Express as a single logarithm and if... (answered by drk)

I really need help can somebody polease help me? 1. Determine whether the following... (answered by stanbon)

Can you help me express this equation into standard form. Focus at (2,-3), x=6 as the... (answered by josgarithmetic)

This question is about logs and I don't understand it at all can you please help me solve (answered by josgarithmetic,MathTherapy)

Could you please help me solve the following equation for x.... (answered by stanbon)

Write the following expressions as single logarithm a) 3 ln x - 2 ln x^2 + ln x b)... (answered by MathLover1)

Express y as a function of x. What is the domain? a) log3+log y = log(x+2) - logx... (answered by josgarithmetic)

Hello! I am clueless where to go from here: Consider the following equation: ln(x+7)... (answered by Fombitz)

Express y as a function of x. What is the domain? a) log(base 2)xy = 3log(base 2)x b)... (answered by stanbon,rothauserc)