How do you solve using the completing the square method a^2+3a-40=0a2+3a−40=0?
1 Answer
Aug 4, 2016
a=5a=5
a=-8a=−8
Explanation:
Given -
a^2+3a-40=0a2+3a−40=0
Take the constant term to the right
a^2+3a=40a2+3a=40
Divide the coefficient of
a^2+3/2x+9/4=40+9/4a2+32x+94=40+94
(a+3/2)^2=(160+9)/4=169/4(a+32)2=160+94=1694
a+3/2=+-sqrt(169/4)=+-13/2a+32=±√1694=±132
a=13/2-3/2=10/2=5a=132−32=102=5
a=-13/2-3/2=-16/2=-8a=−132−32=−162=−8