Question

You are given the identity x^2 -12x+10 ≡(x+a)^2 + b Work out the values of a and b.

Answer 1

Try expanding the right side using foil

(x+a)^2=(x+a)(x+a)

Answer 2

x^2-12x+36-36+10
(x-6)^2-26
a=6
b=-26

Answer 3

Nevermind, that's a much better way of doing it!

@Kimthoanguyen used completing the square, very clever.

Answer 4

I missed it: a=-6
b=-26