Question

Which constant should be added and subtracted to solve the quadratic equation by the method of completing the square (4x^2 - √3x + 5 = 0)?

a. 1/4
b. 3/4
c. 3
d. √3

Answer 1

To solve the quadratic equation by completing the square, add and subtract the constant (1/4).

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve the quadratic equation 4x^2 - √3x + 5 = 0 by completing the square, you need to add and subtract a constant to make the quadratic trinomial a perfect square. The constant you should add and subtract is (1/4).

Step 1: Rewrite the equation as (4x^2 - √3x + ___) + 5 = ___.

Step 2: Take half of the coefficient of x, square it, and add it to both sides of the equation: (4x^2 - √3x + (1/4)^2) + 5 = (1/4)^2.

Step 3: Simplify the equation and solve for x.