Question

To complete the square for x² + 10x = 4, add ___ to both sides.
pls add an explanation.

Answer 1

Add 25 to both sides

Explanation:

to complete the square for x² + 10x = 4

Add the number that is the square of half the coefficient of x.

Coefficient of x = 10 ⇒ half of 10 = 5

5² = 25

Add 25 to both sides:

⇒ x² + 10x + 25 = 4 +25

Factor left side:

⇒ (x + 5)² = 29

Additional information

to solve (x + 5)² = 29

Square root both sides:

⇒ x + 5 = ±√29

Subtract 5 from both sides

⇒ x = -5 ± √29