The expression $x^2 + 18x - 63$ can be written in the form $(x - a)(x + b)$, where $a$ and $b$ are both nonnegative real numbers. What is the value of $b$?
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
The expression $x^2 + 18x - 63$ can be written in the form $(x - a)(x + b)$, where $a$ and $b$ are both nonnegative real numbers. What is the value of $b$?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
21
The expression $x^2 + 18x - 63$ can be written in the form $(x - a)(x + b)$, where $a$ and $b$ are both nonnegative real numbers. What is the value of $b$?
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