#1 The first step to solve the equation by completing the square is to subtract 6 from both sides of the equation.
#2 The equation can then be rewritten as x² + 12x = -4. To complete the square, add (12/2)² = 36 to both sides of the equation. This gives x² + 12x + 36 = 32. Factorizing the left side of the equation gives (x + 6)² = 32. Taking the square root of both sides gives x + 6 = ±√32. Subtracting 6 from both sides gives x = -6 ±√32.