30pts
complete the square to transform the quadratic equation into the form (x – p)2 = q. x2 - 8x - 10 = 18
a) (x - 8)2 = 14
b) (x - 4)2 = 44
c) (x - 8)2 = -14
d) (x - 4)2 = -44

B:  (x - 4)² = 44

Step-by-step explanation:

Start with x^2 - 8x - 10  =  18.

Simplify the constants by adding 10 to both sides:  x^2 - 8x - 10 + 10 = 18 + 10.

Then x^2 - 8x = 28.

Now identify the coefficient of x.  It is -8.  

Take half of this, obtaining -4.

Square this result, obtaining 16.

Add 16, and then subtract 16, to x^2 - 8x:

x^2 - 8x + 16 - 16 = 28.

Add 16 to both sides:

x^2 - 8x + 16 = 28 + 16 = 44

Rewrite x^2 - 8x + 16 as (x - 4)², so that we have:

(x - 4)² = 44.  This is in the form (x - p)² = 44, and matches Answer B.

Note:  Please use " ^ " to indicate exponentiation:  (x - 4)^2 = 44

x is the total time in minutes for the free response

you are given number of questions as 15 - m and time per item as 8 minutes

to find x multiply the two givens together:

x = 8 * (15-m) = 8(15-m)