Answer:
a = 1.5, b = 1.75
Explanation:
Expand the right side using FOIL, then compare the coefficients of like terms with the expression on the left side.
(x + a)² + b
= x² + 2ax + a² + b , then compare to
x² + 3x + 4
Comparing the coefficients of the x- terms
2a = 3 ( divide both sides by 2 )
a = 1.5
Comparing the constant terms
a² + b = 4
1.5² + b = 4
2.25 + b = 4 ( subtract 2.25 from both sides )
b = 1.75