Question

.

The method of completing the square can be used to transform the equation x² - 6x + 8 = 0 into the form (x-p)² = q

Answer 1

p = 3, q = 1

Explanation:

well, let's think about what (x - p)² actually is.

let's do the multiplication (what a square is) :

(x - p)(x - p) = x² - px - px + p² = x² - 2px + p²

now, we compare the theoretical equation to the actual equation :

x² - 6x + 8 = 0

x² - 2px + p² = q

x² = x² check

-6x = -2px

-6 = -2p

p = -6/-2 = 3

that gives us

x² - 6x + 9 = q

compare this to

x² - 6x + 8 = 0

we subtract the second equation from the first

x² - 6x + 9 = q

- x² - 6x + 8 = 0

------------------------

0 0 1 = q

there you have it.