Question

Follow the process of completing the square to solve x2 - 10x + 8 = 0. How will the left side of the equation factor in step 5?

Answer 1

`x=5(+/-)√(17)`

Explanation:

we have

`x^(2)-10x+8=0`

Group terms that contain the same variable, and move the constant to the opposite side of the equation

`x^(2)-10x=-8`

Complete the square. Remember to balance the equation by adding the same constants to each side.

`x^(2)-10x+5^(2)=-8+5^(2)`

`x^(2)-10x+25=-8+25`

`x^(2)-10x+25=17`

Rewrite as perfect squares

`(x-5)^(2)=17`

Take square root both sides

`(x-5)=(+/-)√(17)`

Adds 5 both sides

`x=5(+/-)√(17)`