Question 352786: x squared-8x-29=(this equal sign has 3 lines)(x+a)squared+b, where a and b are constants. find the value of a and the value of b Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source):
Add the opposite of the constant term to both sides:
Divide the coefficient on the first degree term by 2, square the result, and then add that result to both sides. -8 divided by 2 is -4. -4 squared is 16. Add 16 to both sides:
The quadradic trinomial in the LHS is now a perfect square. Factor it:
Add the opposite of the constant term to both sides:
Since both the original LHS and this new LHS are equal to zero, they must be equivalent, hence:
But the original LHS was equivalent to , hence:
Therefore:
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
