Question 604688
x^2 + 8x + 16 is (x + 4)^2


when you add 2 to complete the square, you must also subtract 2 so the value of the expression stays constant


f(x) = x^2 + 8x + 14 + 2 - 2


f(x) = x^2 + 8x + 16 - 2


f(x) = (x + 4)^2 - 2  ___  this is called the vertex form of the equation, the vertex of the parabola is (-4,-2)