SOLUTION: how do I Complete the square for m^2-4m-12=0

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons -> SOLUTION: how do I Complete the square for m^2-4m-12=0      Log On


   

Question 648127: how do I Complete the square for
m^2-4m-12=0
Found 2 solutions by Algebraic, MathTherapy:
Answer by Algebraic(50) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You're going to want to factor this out:
Original equation: m%5E2-4m-12=0
Step 1: Factor the equation
m%5E2-4m-12=0
%28m-6%29%28m%2B2%29=0
Step 2: Find the roots by setting each parenthesis equal to zero
%28m-6%29=0
%28m%2B2%29=0
For the %28m-6%29=0 equation, add '6' to both sides to get the 'm' by itself
%28m-6%29=0
m=6
For the %28m%2B2%29=0, subtract '2' to both sides to get the 'm' by itself
%28m%2B2%29=0
m=-2
The factored version of this equation is %28m-6%29%28m%2B2%29 and its roots are m=6 and m=-2

Answer by MathTherapy(10549) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

how do I Complete the square for
m^2-4m-12=0

m%5E2+-+4m+-+12+=+0

m%5E2+-+4m+=+12 ------- Adding the constant, 12 to move it to the right

m%5E2+-+4m+%2B+%28%281%2F2%29%284%29%29%5E2+=+12+%2B+%28%281%2F2%29%284%29%29%5E2 --- Take 1/2 of b, square it, and add to both sides

m%5E2+-+4m+%2B+4+=+12+%2B+4

%28m+-+2%29%5E2+=+16

sqrt%28%28m+-+2%29%5E2%29+=+_%2B-sqrt%2816%29

m - 2 = 4________OR_________m - 2 = - 4

m = 4 + 2_________OR________m = - 4 + 2

highlight_green%28m+=+6%29, or highlight_green%28m+=+-+2%29

Send comments and “thank-yous” to “D” at MathMadEzy@aol.com