Question

Which statement describes the first step to solve the equation by completing the square?

4x^2+16x=20



Multiply both sides of the equation by 1/4 .

Add 8 to each side of the equation.

Multiply both sides of the equation by 1/8 .

Add 64 to each side of the equation.

Answer 1

Multiply both sides of the equation by 1/4, because in order to be able to complete the square the first coefficient must be 1. :)

Answer 2

Multiply both sides of the equation by
`1/4`

Explanation:

we have

`4x^(2) +16x=20`

Step 1

Multiply both sides of the equation by
`1/4`

`x^(2) +4x=5`

Step 2

Complete the square. Remember to balance the equation by adding the same constants to each side

`x^(2) +4x+4=5+4`

`x^(2) +4x+4=9`

Step 3

Rewrite as perfect squares

`(x+2)^(2)=9`

Step 4

Square root both sides

`x+2=(+/-)3`

`x=-2(+/-)3`

`x=-2+3=1`

`x=-2-3=-5`

therefore

the answer is

Multiply both sides of the equation by
`1/4`