How do you solve #p^2 - 3p =8# by completing the square?

1 Answer
Cri007
Jul 20, 2017

See below.

Explanation:

We want to complete the square for the left side. We can find the constant value as we know the coefficient of the #p# term, which is #-3#. We divide this by #2#, and then square the resulting value.

The constant term is just : #(-3/2)^2=9/4#.

Adding this to both sides,

#p^2 - 3p+9/4 =8+9/4#

#(p-3/2)^2=41/4#

#p-3/2=pmsqrt(41)/2#

#p=pmsqrt(41)/2+3/2#.

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