Show that x^2+6x+11 can be written in as (x+p)^2+q, where p and q are integers to be found.

To start, we need to complete the square of the equation. To do this, we divide the coefficient of x by 2. Here, 6/2=3. We then find (x+3)^2, which gives us the first part of the equation we want to express, but also leaves us with something extra. Expanding out (x+3)^2 gives us x^2+6x+9. Here we have what we were trying to express but with the extra part 9, so we can write (x^2+6x)=(x+3)^2-9.
Substituting this back into our original equation, we have (x+3)^2-9+11, which equals (x+3)^2+2.Therefore, p=3, q=2.

HE
Answered by Hannelore E. Maths tutor

10045 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equation y+4x+1=0 and y^2+5x^2+2x+0.


How can the y=sin(x) graph be manipulated?


Why does integration by parts work?


For sketching the graph of the modulus of f(x) (in graph transformations), why do we reflect in the x-axis anything that is below it?


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