Question

Use the completing the square method to solve the equation x^2 + 16x + 2.

Answer 1

x = - 0.12 or - 15.87

Explanation:

• Step 1: Divide the equation with the coefficient of
  `x^(2)`. In this case, coefficient of
• Step 2: Move the number term to the right hand side of the equation. Now, the equation becomes
  `x^(2) + 16x = -2`
• Step 3: Complete the square in the left hand side of the equation and then add the same number to the right hand side to balance the equation. Now, equation becomes
  `x^(2) +16x+64 = -2+64` So,
  `x^(2) +16x+64 = 62`
  `ie, (x+8)^(2) = 62`
• Step 4: Take the square root of both sides. Therefore,
  `x+8 = √(62)` So,
  `x =` ±
  `7.87 - 8`

Therefore,
`x = -0.12, -15.87`