Question

Which of the following tables shows the correct steps to transform x2 + 6x + 8 = 0 into the form (x − p)2 = q? [p and q are integers] (5 points)

Answer 1

x^2+6x+8=0
To write the above in the form of (x-p)^2=q we proceed as follows:
i] Re-write the expression:
x^2+6x=-8
ii] Calculate for the vale of c.
c=(b/2a)²
given that:
b=6, and a=1
thus
c=(6/2*1)^2=9


iii]
Add 9 on both sides of the equation from i
x^2+6x+9=-8+9
simplifying we get:
x^2+6x+9=1
factoring the LHS we get:
(x+3)(x+3)=1
(x+3)²=1
The above is in the form of:
(x-p)²=q
where:
p=3 and q=1