Question

Find the value of k in the equation x^2 - 12x + 36 = (x - k)^2.

a) k = 6
b) k = -6
c) k = 12
d) k = -12

Answer 1

To find the value of k in the equation x^2 - 12x + 36 = (x - k)^2, we can equate the coefficients of x on both sides of the equation. Expanding the right side, we get x^2 - 2kx + k^2. Comparing this to the left side of the equation, we see that the coefficient of x is -12, which means -2k = -12. Solving for k, we divide both sides by -2 to get k = 6. Therefore, the value of k is 6.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the value of k in the equation x^2 - 12x + 36 = (x - k)^2, we can equate the coefficients of x on both sides of the equation.

Expanding the right side, we get x^2 - 2kx + k^2. Comparing this to the left side of the equation, we see that the coefficient of x is -12, which means -2k = -12.

Solving for k, we divide both sides by -2 to get k = 6. Therefore, the value of k is 6.