If we express $3x^2 + x - 4$ in the form $a(x - h)^2 + k$, then what is $k$?
3x^2 + x - 4
3(x^2 + (1/3)x - 4/3) complete the square on x
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 )
3 [ (x + 1/6)^2 - 48/36 - 1/36]
3 [ (x + 1/6)^2 - 49/36 ]
3(x + 1/6)^2 - 49/12
So......k = -49/12