Pre-Calculus....

Question

Solving x^2+6x-8=0 by completing the square method produces an equation of the form (x+h)^2=k. Find h and k.

Answer 1

You are given x^2 + 6x -8 = 0. The first step in the completing the square method is to move the constant term to the other side, to get

x^2 + 6x = 8

Now, to complete the square on the right hand side, divide the x coefficient (6) by two, then square it.

(6/2)^2 = 9

Add 9 to both sides to get

x^2 + 6x +9 = 17

This can be rewritten as (x+3)^2 = 17. In your case, h=3 and k = 17