# Math Help - completing the square

1. ## completing the square

by completing the square the expression that is x^2+14 x +156 equals (x+A)^2+B

so the question is what would A and B equal

this is my last question...i am stumped on a few of these..

2. Originally Posted by frozenflames
by completing the square the expression that is x^2+14 x +156 equals (x+A)^2+B

this is my last question...i am stumped on a few of these..
I'll put you out of you're misery. Given an equation $x^2+bx+c$, You want to get something of the form $x^2+bx+\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2+k$, for some constant $k$. (Note that $k+\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2=c$.) When factored, this will become $\left(x+\frac{b}{2}\right)^2+k$.

So in this case, $\frac{b}{2}=7$ so $\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2=49$.

Break up the equation: $x^2+14x+156=x^2+14x+49+107$

Factor and you're done: $x^2+14x+49+107=(x+7)^2+107$.

So $A=7$ and $B=107$.

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EDIT: You've already figured it out I see. Well, at least you have something to check it against now.

3. thanks a lot, but i figured that one out.