How do you solve using the completing the square method x^2- 8x + 12 = 0?

1 Answer
Jim G.
Nov 1, 2017

x=2" or "x=6

Explanation:

"place the constant term on the right side"

rArrx^2-8x=-12

"to use the method of "color(blue)"completing the square"

• " ensure the coefficient of the "x^2" term is 1"

x^2-8x=-12larrcolor(blue)"coefficient of 1"

• " add "(1/2"coefficient of x-term")^2" to both sides"

x^2+2(-4)xcolor(red)(+16)=-12color(red)(+16)

rArr(x-4)^2=4

color(blue)"take the square root of both sides"

rArrx-4=+-sqrt4larrcolor(blue)"note plus or minus"

rArrx=4+-2

rArrx=4+2=6" or "x=4-2=2

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