Hello everyone can someone help me with this pre cal question Solve the equation by completing the square.
4x2 − 8x + 1 = 0

Question

chaise · Answer

4x^2 − 8x + 1 = 0
Factor our a 4
4(x^2-2x+1)-3=0 <-- to balance the equation you must minus three to get back down to one after multiplying by four.
4(x-1)^2-3=0

It's hard for me to do this without commentating on what I am doing at the same time. I hope you followed these step. Post another and I will try help.

anonymous · Answer

where did you get the 3 from? Chaise

anonymous · Answer

4x2 − 8x + 1 = 0  ===>   x2 − 2x + 1/4 = 0 ===> x^2-2x+1=-1/4 + 1 ===> (x-1)^2 = 3/4 ===> x-1 = sqrt 3/2 ===> x=(sqrt3/2 ) +1 or x=(-sqrt3/2) +1

chaise · Answer

When you expand the bracket you get:
4(x^2-2x+1)-3=0
4x^2-8x+4-3=0

You must -3 so the equation balances. Remember the original was:
4x^2 − 8x + 1 = 0

I hope this made sense?

chaise · Answer

4(x-1)^2-3=0
Now you can just solve this like a normal equation. 
Plus three both sides, divide by 4. etcetc

anonymous · Answer

ok thank you so much for your help i got it. I love this place are there any other sites similar to this or is this the only one?