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Write down the solution to this equation x^2+4x=56 correct to one decimal place

User Auntie
by
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1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

x = -9.7 or +5.7

Explanation:

You want the approximate solution to x² +4x = 56.

Graph

The solution is found easily by rewriting the equation to the form ...

x² +4x -56 = 0

The solution(s) will be the x-intercept(s) of the graph of x² +4x -56.

The solutions are -9.7 and +5.7.

Completing the square

We can add 4 to both sides of the equation to complete the square. (This added value is the square of half the x-coefficient.)

x² +4x +4 = 56 +4

(x +2)² = 60

x +2 = ±√60 = ±2√15

x = -2 ±2√15

x ≈ -2 ± 7.7 = -9.7, +5.7

Write down the solution to this equation x^2+4x=56 correct to one decimal place-example-1
User Chintan S
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