Chapter 11: Problem 58
Solve by completing the square. Show your work. $$ x^{2}+8 x=9 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
x=1 or x=-9
Step by step solution
01
- Move the constant term
To complete the square, we first need to move the constant term to the right side of the equation: \[ x^{2} + 8x = 9. \]
02
- Find the term to complete the square
Take half of the coefficient of the linear term (8), square it, and add it to both sides of the equation. Half of 8 is 4, and 4 squared is 16: \[ x^{2} + 8x + 16 = 9 + 16. \]
03
- Rewrite the left side as a square
Rewrite the left side of the equation as a perfect square trinomial: \[ (x + 4)^{2} = 25. \]
04
- Solve for x
Take the square root of both sides and solve for x: \[ x + 4 = \pm 5. \] Therefore, \[ x = -4 + 5 \, \] \[ x = 1, \] or \[ x = -4 - 5 \, \] \[ x = -9. \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Solving Quadratic Equations
Quadratic equations are equations of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). Solving them involves finding the values of \( x \) that make the equation true. One powerful method for solving quadratic equations is 'completing the square.' This technique transforms any quadratic equation into a perfect square trinomial, which can then be solved easily using the square root property.
Here's a step-by-step outline of how to solve a quadratic equation by completing the square:
Here's a step-by-step outline of how to solve a quadratic equation by completing the square:
- Move the constant term to the opposite side of the equation.
- Divide all terms by the coefficient of \( x^2 \) if it’s not 1.
- Add and subtract the square of half the coefficient of x inside the equation. This creates a perfect square trinomial.
- Rewrite the equation as the square of a binomial.
- Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
Don't forget to consider both the positive and negative square roots. - Finally, solve for \( x \).
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is an algebraic expression of the form \( (x + a)^2 \) or \( (x - a)^2 \). This means the expression can be written as \( x^2 + 2ax + a^2 \), where \( a \) is any constant number.
When completing the square, you manipulate your quadratic equation to form a perfect square trinomial. Here's how:
When completing the square, you manipulate your quadratic equation to form a perfect square trinomial. Here's how:
- Identify the coefficient of the linear term (x-term).
- Take half of this coefficient and square it.
- Add and subtract this square inside your equation.
Square Root Property
The square root property is a helpful tool for solving quadratic equations, especially after forming a perfect square trinomial. It states that if \( x^2 = k \), then \( x = \pm \sqrt{k} \).
Here's how to apply it:
\( x + 4 = \pm 5 \)
This splits into two separate equations:
\( x + 4 = 5 \)
\( x + 4 = -5 \)
Solving these, we find:
\( x = 1 \)
\( x = -9 \)
Thus, the solutions to the original quadratic equation are \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -9 \). By understanding the square root property, you can easily solve quadratic equations once they are in a perfect square trinomial form.
Here's how to apply it:
- First, isolate the square on one side of the equation.
- Take the square root of both sides. Remember to consider both positive and negative roots.
- Solve for the variable.
\( x + 4 = \pm 5 \)
This splits into two separate equations:
\( x + 4 = 5 \)
\( x + 4 = -5 \)
Solving these, we find:
\( x = 1 \)
\( x = -9 \)
Thus, the solutions to the original quadratic equation are \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -9 \). By understanding the square root property, you can easily solve quadratic equations once they are in a perfect square trinomial form.