Question

Order the steps for solving x^2 - 16x + 12 by completing the square:

A) (x - 5)^2 - 5^2
B) -80
C) 8(2x - 1)^3
D) - 16x + 64
E) -12 + 64
F) x^2 - 16x - 12
G) 8 = 15^3

Answer 1

To solve x^2 - 16x + 12 by completing the square, follow these steps: move the constant term, complete the square on the left side, factor as a perfect square, take the square root, and isolate x by adding 8 on both sides.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve the equation x^2 - 16x + 12 by completing the square, follow these steps:

1. Move the constant term (in this case, 12) to the right side of the equation: x^2 - 16x = -12
2. Take half of the coefficient of x (-16/2 = -8) and square it to get 64. Add this value to both sides of the equation to complete the square on the left side: x^2 - 16x + 64 = -12 + 64
3. Factor the left side as a perfect square: (x - 8)^2 = 52
4. Take the square root of both sides: x - 8 = ±√52
5. Add 8 to each side to isolate x: x = 8 ± √52