How do you solve equation by completing the square p2-2p-3 equals 0?

Answer 1

p^2 - 2p - 3 = 0

p^2 - 2p = 3

halve the linear term (-2), square it and add it to both sides

p^2 - 2p + 1 = 3 + 1

factor left, gather terms right

(p - 1)^2 = 4

(p - 1)^2 - 4 = 0

(1,-4) are the vector points of this parabola

You can factor to solve for p

(p + 1)(P - 3)

p = - 1

p = 3