How do you solve the quadratic #-4-2p^2=-40# using any method?

1 Answer
Alan P.
May 3, 2017

#p=-3sqrt(2)color(white)("XX")orcolor(white)("XX")p=+3sqrt(2)#

Explanation:

Given
#color(white)("XXX")-4-2p^2=-40#

Simplify by multiplying everything on both sides by #(-1)#
#color(white)("XXX")4+2p^2=40#

Subtract #4# from both sides
#color(white)("XXX")2p^2=36#

Divide both sides by #2#
#color(white)("XXX")p^2=18#

Take the square root (giving both a positive and a negative possible solution)
#color(white)("XXX")p=+-sqrt(18)=+-3sqrt(2)#

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