The quadratic x^2-8x+1 can be written in the form ,(x+b)^2+c where b and c are constants. What is b+c?
+23252 x2 - 8x + 1
First: separate the squared term and the single x-term from the constant:
(x2 - 8x ) + 1
Second: complete the square by dividing the coefficient of the x-term by 2 and
squaring the result: -8 / 2 = -4 (-4)2 = 16
Third: add this result into the set of parentheses and subtract this result after the parentheses.
(x2 - 8x + 16) + 1 - 16
Fourth: factor the expression within the parentheses and simplify the constants:
(x - 4)2 - 15
Can you take it from here?
