Final answer:
To solve the quadratic equation by completing the square, we need to follow these steps: move the constant term, take half of the x term coefficient and square it, add the square to both sides, simplify, and take the square root. The solution is x = 3 ± √68.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the quadratic equation x² - 6x - 59 = 0 by completing the square, follow these steps:
- Move the constant term (-59) to the right side of the equation: x² - 6x = 59.
- Take half of the coefficient of the x term and square it: (6/2)² = 9.
- Add the square from step 2 to both sides of the equation: x² - 6x + 9 = 59 + 9.
- Simplify the equation: (x - 3)² = 68.
- Take the square root of both sides of the equation: x - 3 = ±√68.
- Add 3 to both sides of the equation: x = 3 ± √68.
Therefore, the correct answer is option d. x = 3 ± 2.