Consider 8x2 - 48x = -104. write the equation so that x2 – 6x + (blank) = –13 + (blank)

That (blank) is 9.

Step-by-step explanation:

Please write 8x^2 - 48x = -104, with " ^ " indicating exponentiation.  Thanks.

This sounds like a perfect example of "completing the square."

First, factor 8x^2 - 48x = -104:  8(x^2 - 6x = -13).

If we focus SOLELY on x^2 - 6x = -13, it's just a little easier to "complete the square."  Take half of the coefficient of x (which here is -6), and square that result (which here is (-3)^2, or 9.  Now add 9 both sides of x^2 - 6x = -13:

x^2 - 6x + 9 = -13 + 9.  Note:  The "blank" in the problem statement is 9.  

We could go ahead and solve this, tho' we weren't asked to do so.  Rewrite x^2 - 6x + 9 as (x - 3)^2:

x^2 - 6x = -13 then becomes (x - 3)^2 = 4.  To solve for x, take the sqrt of both sides of this latest result, obtaining x - 3 = plus or minus 2.  Add 3 to both sides to isolate x:  x = 3 plus or minus 2.

Thus, x = 5 or x = 1.  

answer: all of the odd numbers were opened

the first person was the one that was opening all of the lockers. since one is odd, this causes all of the odd number lockers to be opened in the end.

48 / 6 = x

in this case, x will equal the amount of money in each card!

x therefore will be 8.

trent had $8 in each birthday card.