Solution: The needed answer for first blank is 1 and the needed a for second blank is 1.
Explanation:
The given equation is
.
The form of perfect square is
.
The given equation can be written as
.
To make the perfect square we can add or subtract
in the given equation. Where, a is coefficient of
and b is coefficient of x. In the parenthesis the coefficient of
is 1 and coefficient of x is 2.

So, the given equation is written as 

Therefore, the needed answer for first blank is 1 and the needed a for second blank is 1.
Make the u substitution
u=x^2
du=x dx
it should simplify the problem
It is 9 feet below sea level after it swims 8 feet towards the surface with its catch