Question

If using the method of completing the square to solve the quadratic equation x^2-16x+37=0 which number would have to be added to "complete the square"?

Answer 1

-27

(negative number)

Explanation:

-b/2a = -(-16)/2(1) = 16/2 = 8

x + 8

x x^2 8x

+

8 8x 64

So we got 64, but 64 is not 37 so we need to change that by subtracting 27 from it.

64 - 27 = 37

So the final answer (in vertex form) is:

(x+8)^2 - 27

(-27) is the number being added