Question

Find the values of a and b such that
x2+2x-7=(x+a)^2+b

Answer 1

a=1, b=-8

Explanation:

Given: x^2+2x-7

Complete the square: x^2+2x+(1-8)

Rearrange: (x^2+2x+1)-8

Factor: (x+1)^2-8

Therefore, a=1 and b=-8