Thread: If x^2+4x+p=(x+q)^2 +1, find p and q.

I think this may be simple, but I just cant seem to get it. So Ive decided to sign up to this site. Help please!

if x^2+4x+p=(x+q)^2 +1

then the values of p and q are...?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by tjnortham

I think this may be simple, but I just cant seem to get it. So Ive decided to sign up to this site. Help please!

if x^2+4x+p=(x+q)^2 +1

then the values of p and q are...?

Thanks!

Expand the right hand side and equate coefficients of powers of x and constant terms:

4 = 2q

p = q^2 + 1

Solve the above two equations for p and q.