The values of a and b are:
a = 5 + √7
b = 5 - √7
Given data
x2 − 10x + 26 = 8
Transform the equation to standard quadratic equation by equating to zero
x2 − 10x + 26 = 8
x2 − 10x + 26 - 8 = 0
x2 − 10x + 18 = 0
x2 − 10x + 18 + 5^2 - 5^2 = 0
x2 − 10x + 25 = 25 - 18
(x-5) (x-5) = 7
(x-5)^2 = 7
(x-5) = √7
x = 5 + √7
x = 5 - √7
Read more on completing the square here: https://brainly.com/question/13981588
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