Solve x^2+8x-5=0 using completing the square

by completing the square we write the equation as (x+b/2)^2-b/2^2+c, in this case b=8 (the coefficient of x) and c=5 so we have (x+4)^2-16-5=0, which equals (x+4)^2-21=0. Now by rearranging we get (x+4)^2=21, which goes to x+4=+or-sqrt(21). Therefore x=sgrt21 -4 or x=-sqrt21 -4

LH

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the general solution to the differential equation: d^2y/dx^2 - 8 dy/dx +16y = 2x


The roots of the equation z^3 + 2z^2 +3z - 4 = 0, are a, b and c . Show that a^2 + b^2 +c^2 = -2


For f(x) = (3x+4)^(-2), find f'(x) and f''(x) and hence write down the Maclaurin series up to and including the term in x^2.


Given y=arctan(3e^2x). Show dy/dx= 3/(5cosh(2x) + 4sinh(2x))