Since quadratic coefient is 1 (term in front of x^2) take 1/2 of linear cofient (12) and square it 12/2=6, 6^2=36 add that to both sides x^2+12x+36=-11+36 factor perfect square (x+6)^2=25 sqrt both sides and take positiv and negative roots x+6=+/-5 minus 6 both sides x=-6+/-5 x=-6+5 or x=-6-5 x=-1 or -11