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Ive been told to solve this equation but i have no clue!

x^2 - 12x + 2 = 0

1 Answer

3 votes
To solve this equation simply move the 2 to other side and compete the square.

x^2 - 12x + 2 = 0
X^2 - 12x + 2 - 2 = 0 - 2
X^2 - 12x - _ = -2

Fill in the blank with a number that makes the trinomial have 2 binomial expressions that are same when factored, in this case 36. And after adding 36 to one side do it also to the other side as well.

X^2 - 12x + 36 = -2 + 36
(X-6)(X-6) = 34

(X-6)^2 = 34

(X-6) = + sq root of 34
X -6 + 6 = + sq. root of 34 + 6

X = + sq root 34 + 6
X = - sq root 34 + 6

I believe these are the solutions.
User Cory Price
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