How do you solve the equation x^2-4x+5=0 by completing the square?

1 Answer
Mar 6, 2017

x=2+-i

Explanation:

x^2-4x+5=0

1) half the coefficient of x square, add and subtract to balance

color(blue)(x^2-4x+2^2)+5-2^2=0

"2) the blue terms form a perfect square"

color(blue)((x-2)^2)+5-4=0

(x-2)^2+1=0

3) solve for x

(x-2)^2=-1

x-2=+-sqrt(-1)

x-2=+-i

:.x=2+-i