Express x^2+8x+15 in the form (x+a)^2-b

Completing the Square is required to solve this equation. First, identify A,B, and C of the quadratic equation: A=1, B=8, C=15. Halve B to obtain a: B/2 = 8/2 = 4 so a = 4. Substitute a into the form (x+a)2-b: (x+4)2-b. Square a because it is within the squared brackets: a2 = 42 =16. Subtract the square of a from the equation (x+4)2-b: (x+4)2-16. Add C to the equation to obtain the final answer: (x+4)2-16 +15 = (x+4)2-1. ANS=(x+4)2-1

MP
Answered by Mahfuza P. Maths tutor

29697 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I factorise and solve 2x^2+4x-6=0?


4x^2 + 8x + 3 can be written in the form a(x + b)^2 + c where a, b and c are whole numbers. Work out the values of a, b and c.


A rectangle is made up of the equations; For the longer spans: 5x-12y+16 and 5y-4x+20; for the shorter spans: 2x-4y+4 and 3x-2y-12


Expand and simplify fully 4(x - 2) - 2(3 - 5x)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning