How do you solve using the completing the square method a^2+3a-40=0a2+3a40=0?

1 Answer
Aug 4, 2016

a=5a=5
a=-8a=8

Explanation:

Given -

a^2+3a-40=0a2+3a40=0

Take the constant term to the right

a^2+3a=40a2+3a=40

Divide the coefficient of xx by 2. Square it and add the same to both sides

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=13232=102=5

a=-13/2-3/2=-16/2=-8a=13232=162=8