Question

Rewrite x2 − 2x − 3 = 0 in the form (x − a)2 = b, where a and b are integers, to determine the a and b values.

A. a = 4 and b = 3
B. a = 3 and b = 2
C. a = 2 and b = 1
D. a = 1 and b = 4

Answer 1

D. a=1 and b=4

Explanation:

x^2-2x+(-2/2)^2 =3+(-2/2)^2

x^2-2x+(-1)^2=3+(-1)^2

x^2-2x +1 =4

(x-1)^2=4

Therefore a=1 and b=4