SOLUTION: I need to solve by completing the square.I'm not sure how to do 1 half of negative s. The problem is {{{s^2-s-6=0}}}

Question 167476: I need to solve by completing the square.I'm not sure how to do 1 half of negative s. The problem is
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Start with the left side of the equation.

Take half of the coefficient to get . In other words, .

Now square to get . In other words,

Now add and subtract . Make sure to place this after the "s" term. Notice how . So the expression is not changed.

Group the first three terms.

Factor to get .

Combine like terms.

So after completing the square, transforms to . So .

So is equivalent to .

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Start with the completed square set to 0.

Add to both sides.

Combine like terms.

Take the square root of both sides.

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

or Take the square root of to get . Note: so

or Add to both sides.

or Combine the fractions

or Combine the numerators

or Reduce.

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Answer:

So the solutions are or .

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