Question

How do you solve an equation by completing the square?

Answer 1

An example would be: (x – 4)2 = 5
x – 4 = ± sqrt(5)
x = 4 ± sqrt(5)
x = 4 – sqrt(5) and x = 4 + sqrt(5)

Answer 2

I'm sorry, I still don't understand. Could you show me how to do it with an equation like x^2+6x=7

Answer 3

Take half of the x term (6x) and square it. Make sure you are aware of the sign. So it'll be +9 since 6/2 = 3 and (3)^2 is 9.

Answer 4

Then it should look like x^2 +6x +9 = 7+9

Answer 5

Now it is the complete the square part. You take half of the x term again to make it look like (x+3x)^2 and add the other side. So the new equation will look like (x+3)^2 = 16. To find the solutions, you must get rid of the squared (x+3) on the left side by square rooting both sides. It will look like x+3 = + or - 4. Now move the 3 over to the right side to find your solutions. it will be -3 +4 or -3 -4 which is 1 and -7

Answer 6

Thank You!!