Express x^2-7x+2 in the form (x-p)^2+q where p and q are rational. Hence or otherwise find the minimum value of x^2-7x+2

For the first part, use the 'complete the square method', which gives (x-7/2)-49/4+2, simplified to (x-7/2)2-41/4. To find the answer for the second part, set x=7/2 so that the bracketed part becomes 0, meaning the minimum value is 41/4

CW

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve C has equation y = x^2 − 2x − 24sqrt x, x > 0. Prove that it has a stationary point at x=4.


What is the difference between a definite integral and an indefinite integral?


Find dy/dx of y=e^xcosx


Given y= sqrt(x) + 4/sqrt(x) + 4 , find dy/dx when x=8 giving your answer in form Asqrt(2) where A is a rational number.