If we express $3x^2 + x - 4$ in the form $a(x - h)^2 + k$, then what is $k$?
+128474 3x^2 + x - 4 factor out the 3
3( x^2 + (1/3)x - 4/3 )
Take 1/2 of 1/3 = 1/6 .....square this = 1/36....add and subtract it within the parentheses
3(x^2 + (1/3)x + 1/36 - 4/3 -1/36 )
Factor the first three terms in the parentheses and simplify
3 ( [ x + 1/6 ]^2 - 48/36 - 1/36 )
3 ( [ x + 1/6 ] ^2 - 49/36 )
3(x + 16)^2 - 49/12
So.... k = -49/12
