Use completing the square to find the minimum of y = x^2 - 4x + 8

Remember completing the square gives a result of the form (x+q)2 + p where q and p are numbers
Also q is always half of the x term, which in this case is -4, as such q = -2
Substituting this in, we get (x-2)2 which expands to x2 - 4x + 4. To make this equal to our original equation, we need to add 4, getting us y = (x-2)2 + 4.
As a rule, the minimum point is always x = -q, y = p. Therefore our answer is (2,4)

SD
Answered by Sol D. Maths tutor

3119 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A farmer has a garden shaped into an isosceles triangle. Its side is 7m. He needs to enclose the perimeter, using copper wires, in order to avoid undesirable incidents. Each meter of copper wire cost 2£. How much does he need to pay to secure his garden?


How to factorise x^2 + 6x +5


Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + 2y = 4, 4x + 5y = 17


How do I work out the length of sides on a right-angle triangle?


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