Question

X2–6x + 10 is to be written in the form ( x +a)2+ b Find the values of a and b.

Answer 1

a = -3 and b = 1

Explanation:

x² - 6x + 10

→ Half the second term and place it in the bracket

( x - 3 )²

→ Square -3

- ( 3 )² = -9

→ Place this outside the brackets along with plus 10

( x - 3 ) ² - 9 + 10

→ Simplify

( x - 3 ) ² + 1