Question

If you were to use the “Completing the Square” method to solve the equation below for k, what number would you add to both sides of the equation? k 2- 8k = -4

A) 16
B) –16
C) 24
D) –24

Answer 1

The number you would add to both sides of the equation to use the "Completing the Square" method would be 16.

Explanation:

To find the number to add to both sides of an equation to complete the square, divide the first-degree term's coefficient by 2 and square your remainder. In this case, the coefficient of the first-degree term is -8. After dividing by 2 and squaring it, you'll get 16, so that is the number you must add to both sides of the equation in order to complete the square.