Question

What is the intermediate step in the form (x + a)2 = b as a result of completing the

square for the following equation?

–6x2 - 235 = -48x + 11

Answer 1

6x2-60x+438 Factor out a 6 from the first 2 terms.

6(x2-10x )+438 Do (b/2)2 to find the c term. (-10/2)2 = 25

6(x2-10x+25)+438-150 Adding 25 inside the parenthesis is really like adding 6(25)=150 to that side of the equation. To keep the equation in balance, you have to subtract 150 from the other term. Simplify

6(x-5)2+288

Explanation:

Answer 2

6(x-5)2+288

Explanation:

6x2-60x+438 Factor out a 6 from the first 2 terms.

6(x2-10x )+438 Do (b/2)2 to find the c term. (-10/2)2 = 25

6(x2-10x+25)+438-150 Adding 25 inside the parenthesis is really like adding 6(25)=150 to that side of the equation. To keep the equation in balance, you have to subtract 150 from the other term. Simplify

6(x-5)2+288