Question

Solve for x x^2 + 6x + 1 = 0

Answer 1

x = -.1715 ≈ - .172 or x = -5.83

Explanation:

x² + 6x + 1 = 0

x² + 6x = -1

Complete the square Add to both sides (1/2 of the x-term, then square it.)

x² + 6x + 9 = -1 + 9

(x + 3)(x + 3) = 8

(x + 3)² = 8

`\sqrt{(x + 3)^(2)` =
`√(8)`

x + 3 = ±
`√(8)`

x = -3 ±
`√(8)`

x = -3 +
`√(8)` or x = -3 -
`√(8)`

x = -.1715 ≈ - .172 or x = -5.83