Answer:
B: (x - 4)² = 44
Step-by-step explanation:
Start with x^2 - 8x - 10 = 18.
Simplify the constants by adding 10 to both sides: x^2 - 8x - 10 + 10 = 18 + 10.
Then x^2 - 8x = 28.
Now identify the coefficient of x. It is -8.
Take half of this, obtaining -4.
Square this result, obtaining 16.
Add 16, and then subtract 16, to x^2 - 8x:
x^2 - 8x + 16 - 16 = 28.
Add 16 to both sides:
x^2 - 8x + 16 = 28 + 16 = 44
Rewrite x^2 - 8x + 16 as (x - 4)², so that we have:
(x - 4)² = 44. This is in the form (x - p)² = 44, and matches Answer B.
Note: Please use " ^ " to indicate exponentiation: (x - 4)^2 = 44
