Question

solve equation by completing the square
a^2+8a+1=-6

Answer 1

Can you identify the coefficient of a?

Answer 2

2 is the exponent of 'a'

Answer 3

The coefficient of a is 8

Answer 4

1. Subtract 1 from both sides.
2. Divide the coefficient of a by 2
3. Square the result of step 2
4. Add the result of step 3 to both sides.
5. Factor the left side
6. Take the square root of both sides remembering that 9 has two square roots...3 and -3
7. Subtract 4 from both sides.