Complete the square for the equation x^2 - 12x + 8 = 0

To complete the square, we will need to put the equation into the form (x - a)2 - b + 8 = 0, where a is half of the coefficient of x (12 in this case) and b is the value we need to subtract in order for the new form of the equation to be equivalent to the original. To begin we initially get (x - 6)2 - b + 8 = 0 since 6 is half of 12. To find b we expand (x-6)2 to get x^2 - 12x + 36 so we realize we need to subtract 36. So our equation is (x - 6)2 - 36 + 8 = 0 which we can simplify to (x - 6)2 - 28 = 0.

Answered by Mark J. Maths tutor

3383 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations x + y = 2 and x^2 + 2y = 12


(3 + root(a))(4 + root(a)) = 17 + k(root(a)) where a and k are positive integers. Find the value of a and the value of k.


Solve the following simultaneous equations: 3x + y = 11 2x + y = 8


Write √5 ( √8 + √18 ) in the form a√10, where a is an integer, without using a calculator.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences