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11 votes
Solve the equation x+ 4x-7 = 0 by completing the square. give your answers correct to 2 decimal places.

User Ben Burnett
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1 Answer

20 votes
20 votes

Solution:


{x}^(2) + 4x - 7 = 0 \\ → {x}^(2) + 4x = 7

Add the square of the half of the coefficient of the unknown(x) to both sides of the equation.


{x}^(2) + 4x + ( (4)/(2) {)}^(2) = 7 + ( (4)/(2) {)}^(2)


{x}^(2) + 4x + (2 {)}^(2) = 7 + (2 {)}^(2)


{x}^(2) + 4x + (2 {)}^(2) = 7 + 4

Bring out x and 2 and square them as shown below:


(x + 2 {)}^(2) = 11

Now, square root both sides of the equation to find the value of x as shown below:


\sqrt{(x + 2 {)}^(2) } = √(11)

Add a + or - sign since it is a quadratic equation


x + 2 = \binom{ + }{ - } √(11)


x + 2 = \binom{ + }{ - } 3.3166


x = - 2 + 3.166 or


x = - 2 - 3.166

Therefore:


x = 1.17 or


x = - 5.17

to two decimal places.

User Tonyrobbins
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