How do you solve 2x2+5x1=0 by completing the square?

1 Answer
Apr 19, 2018

2(x+1.25)24.125=0

Explanation:

We first take the first two terms and factor out the coefficient of x2:
2x22+5x2=2(x2+2.5x)

Then we divide by x, half the integer and square what remains:
2(x2x+2.5xx)2=2(x+2.5)
2(x+2,52)=2(x+1.25)
2(x+1..25)2

Expand out the bracket:
2x2+2.5x+2.5x+2(1.252)=2x2+5x+3.125

Make it equal the original equations:
2x2+5x+3.125+a=2x2+5x1

Rearrange to find a:
a=13.125=4.125

Put in a to the factorised equation:
2(x+1.25)24.125=0