Question

Which equation is equivalent to x^2 - 6x + 4 = 0? Hint: After you complete the square, move constant to right side to rewrite in the form (x - p)2 = q and constant term sign will change.

A.
(x-3)² = 5

B.
(x-3)² = -4

C.
(x-3)² = 6

D.
(x-3)² = 9

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To rewrite the equation \(x^2 - 6x + 4 = 0\) in the form \((x - p)^2 = q\) by completing the square, follow these steps:

1. **Start with the original equation**:
\[
x^2 - 6x + 4 = 0
\]

2. **Move the constant term to the right side**:
\[
x^2 - 6x = -4
\]

3. **Complete the square**:
- Take half of the coefficient of \(x\) (which is \(-6\)), square it, and add it to both sides.
- Half of \(-6\) is \(-3\), and squaring it gives \((-3)^2 = 9\).

4. **Add 9 to both sides**:
\[
x^2 - 6x + 9 = -4 + 9
\]

5. **Rewrite the left-hand side as a perfect square**:
\[
(x - 3)^2 = 5
\]

Thus, the equation \(x^2 - 6x + 4 = 0\) can be rewritten as:

\[
(x - 3)^2 = 5
\]

So the correct answer is **A**: \((x - 3)^2 = 5\).