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

31442 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the value of tan(45)?


Why do we use trigonometry and how to we get the sine, cosine, and tangent graphs?


Two dice are thrown at the same time. What is the probability that the sum of the numbers on the dice is greater than 7?


In a group of 120 people, 85 have black hair, 78 have brown eyes and 20 have neither black hair nor brown eyes. Find the probability of a random person being picked having black hair, given they have brown eyes


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning