What is the first step in solving for x in the equation below? 4x + 8 = 24

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