Question

The equation x²– 8x – 5 = 0 can be transformed into the equation (x - p)² = q, where p and q are real numbers. What are the values of p and q?​

Answer 1

The form (x - p)^2 = q is the form that completing the square will leave us with.

---Add 5 to both sides

x^2 - 8x = 5

---Divide the b term by 2, and square it. Then, add that number to both sides.

-8/2 = -4

(-4)^2 = 16

x^2 - 8x + 16 = 5 + 16

x^2 - 8x + 16 = 21

---Factor!

(x - 4)^2 = 21

p = 4

q = 21

Hope this helps!! :)