Final answer:
The value of the constant c when the function f(x) = x² - 12x + 40 is expressed in the form (x-b)² + c is 4, which is found by completing the square method.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking to find the value of the constant c when the quadratic function f(x) = x² - 12x + 40 is expressed in the form (x-b)² + c. To do this, we need to complete the square:
- Start by identifying a, b, and c in the quadratic function, where a is the coefficient of x², b is the coefficient of x, and c is the constant term.
- In the given function, a = 1, b = -12, and c = 40.
- Complete the square by taking half of b, which is -6, and squaring it to get 36.
- Rewrite the function as (x-(-6))² + (40 - 36), which simplifies to (x-6)² + 4.
So, the value of the constant c in the resulting equation (x-6)² + c is 4.