The general quadratic equation is: ax² + bx + c =
0. But, by completing the square we turn it into: a(x + d)² + e = 0, where:<span>
d = b/2a
e = c - b²/4a
Our quadratic equation is x² - 14x -4 = 0, which is
after rearrangement: So, a = 1, b = -14, c = -4
Let's first calculate d and e:
d = b/2a = -14/2*1 = -14/2 = -7
e = c - b²/4a = -4 - (-14)</span>²/4*1 = -4 - 196/4 = -4 - 49 = -53<span>
By completing the square we have:
a(x + d)² + e = 0
