How do you solve using the completing the square method r^2 + 14r = -13?

3 Answers
Apr 15, 2017

r^2 + 14r = -13

implies r^2 + 14r + 13 = 0

We could have a go at factoring that, but completing the square is the next step down the list and is what you are asking for.

It is the Quadratic Equation without having to remember a formula!

So:

r^2 + 14r + 13

= r^2 + (color(red)(2 xx) 7)r + 13

[Remember that: (a + b)^2 = a^2 + color(red)(2) ab + b^2]

= (r + 7)^2 - 7^2 + 13

= (r + 7)^2 - 36

Now:

(r + 7)^2 - 36 color(red)(= 0)

implies (r + 7)^2 = 36

implies r + 7 = sqrt36

implies r =- 7 pm 6 = -1, -13

We can check that:

(r+1)(r+13) = r^2 + 13r + r + 13 color(blue)(= r^2 + 14r + 13)

Apr 15, 2017

See the method outlined below:

Explanation:

First, write it in general form:

r^2+14r+13=0

Add bracket around the terms that contain r, with the constant term outside the bracket (and factor out the a coefficient if there is one):

(r^2+14r)+13=0

Now, take half of the value of b (the coefficient of the term in r) and square it. Add this value and subtract it as well, within the bracket.

(r^2+14r+49 - 49)+13=0

Move the subtracted (b/2)^2 term outside the bracket. (This can require some care if there was an a value (a coefficient of the r^2 term greater than 1.)

(r^2+14r+49) - 49+13=0

By design, the part on the brackets is a perfect square:

(r+7)^2 -36 = 0

It is now in standard form, so you are done.

The vertex is at (-7, -36).

Apr 15, 2017

r={-1,-13}

Explanation:

r^2+14r=-13

"Let us rearrange the equation."

r^2+14r+13=0

"let us add+36 -36"

r^2+14rcolor(red)(+36-36)+13=0

r^2+14r+36+13color(red)(-36)=0

color(green)(r^2+14r+49)-color(red)(36)=0

color(green)(r^2+14r+49)=(r+7)^2

(r+7)^2-36=0

(r+7)^2-6^2=0

"let us remember " a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)

(r+7-6)(r+7+6)=0

(r+1)(r+13)=0

"Either (r+1) or (r+13) is equal to zero."

r+1=0 rArr r=-1

r+13=0rArr r=-13