9. What is the intermediate step in the form (x+a)^2=b as a result of completing the square for the following equation? x^2-6x=55 (underline ( ))^2=underline ( )

To complete the square for the equation $x^2 - 6x = 55$, we need to add $\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2$ to both sides of the equation, where $b$ is the coefficient of $x$.<br /><br />In this case, $b = -6$, so $\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{-6}{2}\right)^2 = 9$.<br /><br />Adding 9 to both sides of the equation, we get:<br />$x^2 - 6x + 9 = 55 + 9$<br />$x^2 - 6x + 9 = 64$<br /><br />Therefore, the intermediate step in the form $(x+a)^2 = b$ as a result of completing the square for the equation $x^2 - 6x = 55$ is:<br />$(x - 3)^2 = 64$