SOLUTION: solve by completing the square. x2 – 4x – 1 = 0

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Question 934056: solve by completing the square.
x2 – 4x – 1 = 0
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Early factorization any coefficient due to the x%5E2 term is unnecessary here, because the coefficient is 1. The term to Complete The Square is %28%28-4%29%2F2%29%5E2=4. Try doing this way:

x%5E2-4x=1, added PLUS 1 to both members
x%5E2-4x%2B4=1%2B4, completing the square
x%5E2-4x%2B4=5
%28x-2%29%5E2=5
and you know what to do from here.