Final answer:
To express the given expression 3x^2 + 18x - 1 in the form a(x + b)^2 + c, complete the square by dividing the coefficient of x by 2, squaring it, and adding/subtracting it inside the parentheses. The expression 3x^2 + 18x - 1 can be written as 3(x + 3)^2 - 28.
Step-by-step explanation:
To express the given expression 3x^2 + 18x - 1 in the form a(x + b)^2 + c, we need to complete the square. Here's how:
- First, divide the coefficient of x by 2 and square it to get (18/2)^2 = 9^2 = 81.
- Add and subtract this value inside the parentheses:
3x^2 + 18x - 1 = 3(x^2 + 6x + 9 - 9) - 1 = 3((x + 3)^2 - 9) - 1
- Distribute the 3:
3(x + 3)^2 - 27 - 1 = 3(x + 3)^2 - 28
So, the expression 3x^2 + 18x - 1 can be written as 3(x + 3)^2 - 28 in the desired form a(x + b)^2 + c.