--------------------------------------------------------
Equation Given
--------------------------------------------------------
x² + 2x = 17
--------------------------------------------------------
Add the constant to make it perfect square
--------------------------------------------------------
x² + 2x
+ (2/2)² - ²(2/2)² = 17
--------------------------------------------------------
Evaluate the brackets
--------------------------------------------------------
x² + 2x
+ (1)² - ²(1)² = 17
--------------------------------------------------------
Form the perfect square
--------------------------------------------------------
(x + 1)² - 1 = 17
--------------------------------------------------------
Add 1 to both sides
--------------------------------------------------------
(x + 1)² = 17 + 1
(x + 1)² = 18
--------------------------------------------------------
Square root both sides
--------------------------------------------------------
√(x + 1)² =
√18
--------------------------------------------------------
Solve for x
--------------------------------------------------------
x = 4.24 - 1 or - 4.24 -1
x = 3.24 or - 5.24 (nearest hundredth)
--------------------------------------------------------
Answer: x = x = 3.24 or - 5.24--------------------------------------------------------