To rewrite the function \( g(x) = x^2 - x - 6 \) by completing the square, follow these steps:
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Start with the expression: \[ g(x) = x^2 - x - 6 \]
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Take the coefficient of \( x \) (which is \(-1\)), divide it by 2, and square it: \[ \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{4} \]
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Add and subtract this value inside the function: \[ g(x) = x^2 - x + \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{4} - 6 \]
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This simplifies to: \[ g(x) = \left( x - \frac{1}{2} \right)^2 - \frac{1}{4} - 6 \]
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Combine the constants: \[ -\frac{1}{4} - 6 = -\frac{1}{4} - \frac{24}{4} = -\frac{25}{4} \]
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So, the final expression for \( g(x) \) by completing the square is: \[ g(x) = \left( x - \frac{1}{2} \right)^2 - \frac{25}{4} \]
Thus, the completed form is: \[ g(x) = \left( x - \frac{1}{2} \right)^2 - \frac{25}{4} \]