Question

Solve the quadratic equation by completing the square: x^(2) - 14x - 8 = 0

Answer 1

look at the middle term , -14x

half it --> -7 and square -->49

(x^2 -14+49)-8=49

Answer 2

(x-7)^2=49+8

Answer 3

to finish square root both sides and add 7\[x=7 \pm \sqrt{56}=7 \pm 2 \sqrt{14}\]since 56 factors into 4*14