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Solve the equation by completing
the square.
x²8x + 16 = 0

Solve the equation by completing the square. x²8x + 16 = 0-example-1
User Barny
by
7.1k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

x = 4 twice.

Explanation:

x^2-8x+ 16=0

Bring the constant to the other side.

x^2-8x=-16

Half the coefficient of x and square the result. Add to both sides.

x^2-8x+[-8/2]^2=-16+(-8/2)^2

x^2-8x+16= 16-16

x^2-8x+16=0

Now, whenever there's a perfect square constant, take the root of that constant. Since the coeff. of x is negative (-8),

(x-4)(x-4)=0 [-4^2=16 and -4+(-4)=-8]

Therefore, x-4=0 twice.

x=4 twice.

Hope this helps! :]

User Hartok
by
7.1k points