Question

Which of the following tables shows the correct steps to transform x2 + 8x + 15 = 0 into the form (x - p)2 = q?

Answer 1

Answer:

Step 1: x^2 + 8x + 15 + 1 = 0 + 1

Step 2: x^2 + 8x + 16 = 1

Step 3: (x + 4)^2 = 1

Step-by-step explanation:

You want the constant on the left to be the square of half the x-coefficient.

  (8/2)^2 = 4^2 = 16

You already have a constant that is 15, so you need to add 1 to both sides of the equation. That is the Step 1 shown here. Step 2 is simplifying the result of Step 1. Step 3 is rewriting the trinomial as the square of a binomial.