Question

X^2+8x+5 can be written in form (x+a)^2+b where a and b are numbers calculate values of a and b

Answer 1

a = 4 , b = - 11

Explanation:

x² + 8x + 5

using the method of completing the square

add/ subtract ( half the coefficient of the x- term)² to x² + 8x

= x² + 2(4)x + 16 - 16 + 5

= (x + 4)² - 11 ← in the form (x + a)² + b

with a = 4 and b = - 11