Question

Solve the equation by completing the square.
x^2 + 10x + 21 = 0
x= (smaller value)
x= (larger value)

Answer 1

smaller, -7
larger -3

Answer 2

x^2+10x+21=x^2+10x+25-4=0

(x+5)^2-4=0
(x+5)^2=4

So x+5=2 implies x=-3
or -(x+5)=2 implies x=-7