Answer:
To solve the quadratic equation x² - 18x = 17, let’s complete the square:
Start by adding 17 to both sides of the equation: [ x^2 - 18x + 17 = 0 ]
Now, we’ll focus on the quadratic term (the (x^2) term) and the linear term (the (x) term): [ x^2 - 18x = -17 ]
To complete the square, take half of the coefficient of the linear term ((-18)) and square it: [ \left(\frac{-18}{2}\right)^2 = 81 ]
Add 81 to both sides of the equation: [ x^2 - 18x + 81 = 64 ]
Rewrite the left side as a perfect square: [ (x - 9)^2 = 64 ]
Take the square root of both sides: [ x - 9 = \pm 8 ]
Solve for x:
If (x - 9 = 8), then (x = 17).
If (x - 9 = -8), then (x = 1).
Therefore, the solutions are:
(x = 17)
(x = 1)
The correct answers are:
a) (x = 9 \pm \sqrt{26})
b) (x = -9 \pm \sqrt{26})
Step-by-step explanation: