How do you solve the quadratic equation by completing the square: x26x8=0?

1 Answer
Jul 14, 2015

x=3+17,317

Explanation:

x26x8=0

In order to solve a quadratic equation by completing the square, we must force a perfect square trinomial on the left side. a2+2ab+b2=(a+b)2

Add 8 to both sides of the equation.

x26x=8

Divide the coefficient of the x term by 2 and square the result. Add it to both sides of the equation.

(62)2=(3)2=9

x26x+9=8+9 =

x26x+9=17

We now have a perfect square trinomial on the left side, in which
a=x, and b=3.

Now we can solve for x.

(x3)2=17

Take the square root of both sides.

(x3)=±17

x=3±17

x=3+17

x=317