Final answer:
To rewrite a function by completing the square, follow these steps: group the x terms, complete the square, factor the perfect square trinomial, and write the function in vertex form.
Step-by-step explanation:
To rewrite the given function by completing the square, we will follow these steps:
- Group the x terms and constant terms separately.
- Complete the square by adding the square of half the coefficient of the x term.
- Factor the perfect square trinomial and simplify.
- Write the function in vertex form.
For example, if the function is f(x) = x² + 4x - 6, we can complete the square as follows:
- Group the x terms: f(x) = (x² + 4x) - 6.
- Complete the square: f(x) = (x² + 4x + (4/2)²) - (4/2)² - 6.
- Factor the perfect square trinomial: f(x) = (x + 2)² - 10.
- Write the function in vertex form: f(x) = (x + 2)² - 10.