STEP 1- since 6 doesn't contain the variable to solve for move it to the right side of the equation by subtracting 6 from both sides X^2-8X=-6 STEP 2- create a trinomial square on the left side of the equation find the value that is equal to the square of half of b the coefficient of x (b/2)^2 =(-4)^2 STEP 3- add the term to each side of the equation x^2-8x+(-4)^2=-6=(-4) STEP 4- simplify the equation x^2-8x+16=10 STEP 5- factor the perfect trinomial square into (x-4)^2 (x-4)^2=10 STEP 6-solve the equation for x x=4= square root of 10