Question

If using completing the square, what number should be added to both sides of the equation x2 - 8x + ___ = 7 + ___? 1) -4, 16 2) -4, -16 3) 4, 16 4) 4, -16

Answer 1

To complete the square in the equation x^2 - 8x +16 = 7 + 16, we must add 16 to both sides, creating a perfect square trinomial on the left.

The correct answer is A

Step-by-step explanation:

In completing the square for the equation x2 - 8x +16 = 7 + 16, we want to form a perfect square trinomial on the left side. To do this, we take the coefficient of the x term, divide it by 2, and then square that number.

In our equation, the coefficient of the x term is -8. Dividing -8 by 2 gives us -4, and squaring -4 gives us 16. Therefore, the number to be added to both sides of the equation is +16.

The correct answer is A