Question

X^2x-7=(x+a)^2 +b
find the values of a and b

Answer 1

a = 1/2; b = -29/4

Explanation:

x^2x-7=(x+a)^2 +b

There's a missing sign between x^2 and x. I assume this is the problem:

x² + x - 7 = (x + a)² + b

We need to complete the square on the left side.

x² + x - 7 =

= (x² + x + 1/4) - 7 - 1/4

= (x + 1/2)² - 29/4

= (x + a)² + b

a = 1/2; b = -29/4