Chapter 2: Problem 33
Solve the quadratic equation by completing the square. $$x^{2}+4 x=-3$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions to the equation are \(x = 0\) and \(x = -4\).
Step by step solution
01
Reorganize The Equation
To start, the equation should be arranged with x-terms on one side and the constant on the other. So, the equation becomes \(x^{2} + 4x + 3 = 0\)
02
Complete The Square
In order to complete the square, we need to add a value to both sides of the equation that makes the left side a perfect square trinomial. This value is \((b/2)^{2}\), here \(b\) is the coefficient of \(x\). In our case \(b = 4\), so the value we need to add is \((4/2)^{2} = 4\), which gives us a new equation: \(x^{2} + 4x + 4 = 0 + 4\) or simplified \(x^{2} + 4x + 4 = 4\)
03
Rewrite Left Side as a Square
The left side of the equation is now a perfect square trinomial. It can be written as \( (x + 2)^{2}\). Therefore, the equation now reads: \((x + 2)^{2} = 4\)
04
Solve for 'x'
Take the square root of both sides of the equation. This gives \(x + 2 = \pm 2\). This results in two solutions for 'x': \(x = 2 - 2 = 0\) and \(x = -2 - 2 = -4\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a method used to solve quadratic equations, making it a powerful tool in algebra.
This technique transforms a quadratic equation into a perfect square trinomial, which is an expression that can be easily factored as a square of a binomial.
Here's how it works:
This technique transforms a quadratic equation into a perfect square trinomial, which is an expression that can be easily factored as a square of a binomial.
Here's how it works:
- First, ensure that the quadratic equation is in the standard form of \[ax^2 + bx + c = 0\].
- Move any constant terms to the opposite side of the equation.
- Find the term that will complete the square: Take half of the coefficient of \(x\), square it, and add this square to both sides of the equation.
- This process turns the quadratic expression on one side of the equation into a perfect square trinomial.
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is a special kind of quadratic expression that can be expressed as the square of a binomial.
It takes the form of \((a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\).
In the context of solving quadratic equations, once the left side of the equation is a perfect square trinomial, it becomes easier to work with.
Consider \(x^2 + 4x + 4\), which can be rewritten as \((x + 2)^2\).
This transformation outlines the structure and helps in simplifying the equation.
It takes the form of \((a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\).
In the context of solving quadratic equations, once the left side of the equation is a perfect square trinomial, it becomes easier to work with.
Consider \(x^2 + 4x + 4\), which can be rewritten as \((x + 2)^2\).
This transformation outlines the structure and helps in simplifying the equation.
- Identify the quadratic term, \(x^2\), the linear term, \(bx\), and use them to find the value \((b/2)^2\) to complete the square.
- Rewriting the trinomial as a square of a binomial confirms that it is a perfect square trinomial.
Solving Equations
Solving quadratic equations involves finding the values of \(x\) that satisfy the equation, meaning the solutions or roots.
After completing the square and reaching a perfect square trinomial, solving becomes straightforward.
The following steps outline the process:
After completing the square and reaching a perfect square trinomial, solving becomes straightforward.
The following steps outline the process:
- Rewrite the trinomial in the form of \((x + n)^2 = k\), where \(n\) and \(k\) are constants.
- Take the square root of both sides, ensuring you consider both the positive and negative roots: \(x + n = \pm \sqrt{k}\).
- Solve for \(x\) by isolating it on one side of the equation, which typically gives two solutions.