Question

The equation x^2−8x−5=0 can be transformed into the equation (x−p)^2=q, where p and q are real numbers. What is the value of q?

Answer 1

Answer:

x = 5

  or

x = 3

Step-by-step explanation:

The first term is,  x2  its coefficient is  1 .

The middle term is,  -8x  its coefficient is  -8 .

The last term, "the constant", is  +15

Step-1 : Multiply the coefficient of the first term by the constant   1 • 15 = 15

Step-2 : Find two factors of  15  whose sum equals the coefficient of the middle term, which is   -8 .

     -15    +    -1    =    -16

     -5    +    -3    =    -8