Answer:
(x - 6)^2 = 42
Step-by-step explanation:
Using " ^ " to indicate exponentiation, we have:
x^2 - 12x -6=0
Here the coefficients of this quadratic equation are a = 1, b = -12 and c = -6.
Start by taking HALF of the coefficient of x, that is, HALF of -12. We get -6.
Next, square this result: (-6)^2 = 36.
Finally, add this 36 to both sides, obtaining:
x^2 - 12x + 36 - 6 = 36
Rewriting the first three terms, we get:
(x - 6)^2 - 6 = 36, or
(x - 6)^2 = 42 This is the end result to "completing the square."
If you want to go further and actually solve for x, then see below:
Taking the square root of both sides, we get
x - 6 = ±√42
Then x = 6 ± √42, or
x = 6 + √42 and
x = 6 - √42
