How do you solve x28x+5=0 by completing the square?

1 Answer
Jun 27, 2016

x=0.583 or x=8.583

Explanation:

The negative x2 term is not comfortable. Divide by -1.

x2+8x5=0

Move the constant to the other side: x2+8x=5

Add on the square of half the co-efficient of x to both sides to make the square of a binomial.

x2+8x+16=5+16 (82)2

(x+4)2=21 square root both sides

x+4=±21

x=+214 or x=214

x=0.583 or x=8.583