Question

Solve x ^2 - 8x + 3 = 0 by completing the square.

Which equation is used in the process?



(x - 4)^2 = 0

(x - 4)^2 = 13

(x - 4)^2 = 19

Answer 1

First we must get this in the correct form

\[\large x^2 - 8x = -3\]

To complete the square, we take the coefficient of the 'x' ....divide it by 2...then square the result.

So here, -8 would be the coefficient

Divide that by 2...so -4....and square the result

(-4)^2 = 16

So now we add this to both sides of that equation

\[\large x^2 - 8x + 16 = -3 + 16\]
\[\large x^2 - 8x + 16 = 13\]

Write the left hand side as a square

\[\large (x - 4)^2 = 13\]

Answer 2

got it thanks you make it look easy

Answer 3

Not a problem! And everything in math is easy once you practice it enough!