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Start with the given equation

Subtract

from both sides

Rearrange the terms.
--------------------
So let's complete the square for

Start with the given expression.

Factor out the

coefficient

. This step is very important: the

coefficient
MUST be equal to 1.
Take half of the

coefficient

to get

. In other words,

.
Now square

to get

. In other words,

Now add
and subtract

inside the parenthesis. Make sure to place this after the "x" term. Notice how

. So the expression is not changed.

Group the first three terms.

Factor

to get

.

Combine like terms.

Distribute.

Multiply.
So after completing the square,

transforms to

. So

.
So

is equivalent to

.
-----------------------------------

Start with the given equation.

Subtract

from both sides.

Combine like terms.

Divide both sides by

.

Reduce.

Take the square root of both sides. Note: remember the "plus/minus"

or

Break up the "plus/minus" to form two equations.

or

Add

to both sides.
--------------------------------------
Answer:
So the solutions are

or

.