Answer: x only can have complex values, not real values.
x = -1/4 - 1/4i and x = -1/4 + 1/4 i
Step-by-step explanation:
Finding the possible values of x in the expression given is solving the quadratic equation.
8x² + 4x = - 1
Rearrange the terms:
8 (x² + x/2) = - 1 ← common factor 8 in the left side
x² + x/2 = - 1/8 ← division property
x² + x/2 + 1/16 = - 1/8 + 1/16 ← addition property
(x + 1/4)² = -1/8 + 1/16 ← -factor the perfect square trinomial in the left side
(x + 1/4)² = - 1/16 ← add the fractions in the right side
x + 1/4 = (+/-) √ (-1/16) ← square roots on both sides
x + 1/4 = (+/-) (1/4)i ← complex solution
x = - 1/4 +/- 1/4i
x = - 1/4 - 1/4i and x = - 1/4 + 1/4 i ← answer