Question
If we express 3x^2 - 6x - 2 in the form a(x - h)^2 + k, then what is a + h + k?
Answers
Steve
This is clearly an exercise in completing the square.
3x^2 - 6x - 2
3(x^2-2x) - 2
now add and subtract 3, leaving the value unchanged:
3(x^2-2x+1) - 2 - 3
3(x-1)^2 - 5
3x^2 - 6x - 2
3(x^2-2x) - 2
now add and subtract 3, leaving the value unchanged:
3(x^2-2x+1) - 2 - 3
3(x-1)^2 - 5