SOLUTION: express 3x²+24x+1 in the form a(x+b)²+c

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Question 233605: express 3x²+24x+1 in the form a(x+b)²+c

Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
express 3x²+24x+1 in the form a(x+b)²+c
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We are basically trying to "complete the square":
3x%5E2+%2B+24x+%2B+1
Group the x terms:
%283x%5E2+%2B+24x%29+%2B+1
Factor so that the x^2 has no coefficient:
3%28x%5E2+%2B+8x%29+%2B+1
Now, you are looking for the term to complete square (1/2 'b' then square it):
3%28x%5E2+%2B+8x+%2B+___+%29+%2B+1
3%28x%5E2+%2B+8x+%2B+16+%29+%2B+1+-+16
3%28x%5E2+%2B+8x+%2B+16+%29+-+15
3%28x%2B4%29%5E2+-+15