SOLUTION: I am supposed to solve the equation by completing the square, but I am having troubles with this question. I need to have it in fraction form, not decimals. Here is the equation: s

Question 754841: I am supposed to solve the equation by completing the square, but I am having troubles with this question. I need to have it in fraction form, not decimals. Here is the equation: s^2+5s=-1.
Found 2 solutions by nerdybill, josgarithmetic:
Answer by nerdybill(7384) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
s^2+5s=-1
add (b/2)^2 = (5/2)^2 = 25/4 to both sides:
s^2+5s+25/4=-1+25/4
(s+5/2)^2 = -1+25/4
(s+5/2)^2 = -4/4 + 25/4
(s+5/2)^2 = 21/4
s+5/2 = +-sqrt(21/4)
s+5/2 = +-(1/2)sqrt(21)
s = -5/2 +- (1/2)sqrt(21)

Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

You want to know what square term to add and subtract.
That term is .

Showing which part is the square trinomial,

You should have no trouble solving for s from there.

______without the tags, I say 5/2 plus-or-minus (1/2)*(21)^(0.5)

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