quadratic

 

The quadratic x^2 - 6x + 60 can be written in the form (x + b)^2 + c, where b and c are constants. What is b + c?     

 

In the instance of x² – 6x you need (6 / 2)² to complete the square.  So you have x² – 6x + 9     

 

                                                                                                                                 (x – 3)²     

 

To take that "9" on up to 60, simply add 51.  The resulting equation becomes (x – 3)² + 51     

 

Per the terms of the problem, add b + c, that is, add 3 + 51, and the final answer is 54.     

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