SOLUTION: solve by completing the square: b^2-8b-38=10

Question 201687: solve by completing the square:
b^2-8b-38=10
Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Step 1:. Divide both sides by the lead coefficient. For your problem, the lead coefficient is 1, so there is nothing to do.

Step 2:. Add the opposite of the constant term on the left to both sides, i.e., combine the constant terms and put them on the right hand side:

Step 3:. Divide the coefficient on the 1st degree term by 2 and square the result, adding that value to both sides of the equation.

, so:

Step 4:. Factor the perfect square trinomial on the left:

Step 5:. Take the square root of both sides, remembering to consider both the positive and negative roots.

Step 6:. Solve

, or

John

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