Question

Solve for x. Use the completing the square method. x² + 8x = 7

Answer 1

Answer: $x= -4+ \sqrt{23}$ , or $x= - 4 -\sqrt{23}$

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's solve your equation step-by-step.

$x^2+8x=7$

The coefficient of 8x is 8. Let b=8.

Then we need to add (b/2)^2=16 to both sides to complete the square.

Add 16 to both sides

x^2+8x+16 = 7+16

x^2 + 8x+ 16= 23

Factor left side.

(x+4)^2 = 23

Take the square root.

$x+4 = +/- \sqrt{23}$

Add -4 to both sides.