Question

What is the intermediate step in the form (x+a)^2=b as a result of completing the square for the following equation? x^2-10x=-57

Answer 1

see explanation

Explanation:

given

x² - 10x = - 57

to complete the square

add ( half the coefficient of the x- term)² to both sides

x² + 2(- 5)x + (- 5)² = - 57 + (- 5)²

x² + 2(- 5)x + 25 = - 57 + 25

(x - 5)² = - 32 ← in the form (x + a)² = b

with a = - 5 and b = - 32