Question

Help please! :)
Solve each equation by completing the square:

a^2-2a-8=0

Answer 1

a square binomial
\[(x+n)^2= x^2+2nx+n^2\]


start by moving the 8 to the other side

Answer 2

mmkay :) thanx

Answer 3

a^2-2a = 8

then on the left side, we need to complete the square binomial

so we need to determine the 3rd term
since the 2nd term is 2a
we can conclude n =1

this means that the 3rd term n^2 is 1

at this point, you add 1 to both sides

Answer 4

so, add 1 to 8 and that equals 9.....
a^2-2a=9

Answer 5

@waterineyes could you possibly help?

Answer 6

add to both sides, not just one

Answer 7

i moved the -8 to the right side by adding 8 to BOTH !!!! sides

when you're adding 1 to complete the square, you need to add it to BOTH!!! sides

Answer 8

haha:) mmkay thanx

Answer 9

so add 1 to both sides to
a^2-2a = 8

and what do you get?

Answer 10

1a^2-3a=9 ?

Answer 11

...

you cant add 1 to the variables

Answer 12

you just add it to the left side, not to the terms....

Answer 13

Where are you facing problem?

Answer 14

the problem is

a^2-2a-8=0

Answer 15

Okay..

Here just tell me what is the coefficient of a term??

Answer 16

its okay, i got it. Thanks though!!