193k views
3 votes
Which of the following tables shows the correct steps to transform x^2+6x + 8=0

1 Answer

5 votes
Perhaps the most concise way to factor is by "completing the square" which is how the quadratic formula is derived...

x^2+6x+8=0 move constant to other side, subtract 8 from both sides

x^2+6x=-8, halve the linear coefficient, square it, then add that to both sides, in this case (6/2)^2=3^2=9

x^2+6x+9=1 now the left side is a perfect square of the form

(x+3)^2=1 take the square root of both sides

x+3=±√1 subtract 3 from both sides

x=-3±√1

x=-3±1

x=-4 and -2

Since the zeros occur when x=-4 and -2 the factors of the equation are:

(x+2)(x+4)
User Divi
by
8.7k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories