Question

Write x2 − 8x + 13 = 0 in the form (x − a)2 = b, where a and b are integers

Answer 1

x^2 - 8x + 13 = 0
subtract 13 from both sides
x^2 - 8x = -13
-8/2 = -4, (-4)^2 = 16, add 16 to both sides
x^2 - 8x + 16 = -13 + 16
factor the left side
(x - 4)^2 = 3