Answer: We want to find the value of p for which the quadratic equation -x² + 8x + p = 0 has equal roots.
For a quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0 to have equal roots, the discriminant b² - 4ac must be equal to 0.
In this case, the quadratic equation is -x² + 8x + p = 0, so we have a = -1, b = 8, and c = p.
Therefore, we have:
b² - 4ac = 8² - 4(-1)(p)
= 64 + 4p
For the equation to have equal roots, the discriminant must be equal to 0, so:
64 + 4p = 0
4p = -64
p = -16
So, the value of p for which the quadratic equation -x² + 8x + p = 0 has equal roots is -16.
Explanation: