Question

Write x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0 in the form (x - a)^2 = b, where a and b are integers.

(x - 4)^2 = 3

(x - 3)^2 = 2

(x - 2)^2 = 1

(x - 1)^2 = 4

Answer 1

Do you know how to complete the square?

Answer 2

No I don't.

Answer 3

Okay, cool :) I will help

Answer 4

Thanks. I have been in this exam for coming up on 5 hours. Please bare with me.

Answer 5

We have:
x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0

To complete the square, we take the middle number, halve it and then square it.
(-2 / 2)^2 = 1
Now we have the answer, '1', we add this and take it to the end of the equation:
x^2 - 2x + 1 - 1 - 3 = 0

This then allows us to simplify the first part as a perfect square:
x^2 - 2x + 1 - 1 - 3 = 0
(x - 1)^2 - 1 - 3 = 0
(x - 1)^2 = 4

So the answer is: (x - 1)^2 = 4

Answer 6

Thank you SO much @Riddellikins

Answer 7

You're welcome :)