Solving x ^2 + 10 x + 7 = 0 by completing the square method produces an equation of the form ( x + h ) ^2 = k . Find h and k .

Answer 1

First, you should use F-O-I-L on (x+h)² = k

to get x² + 2hx + h² = k

Given x² + 10x + 7 = 0

We now know that 2h=10 and h = 5

Then, h² - k = 7

tells us that

25 - k = 7

k = 18