SOLUTION: Solve by completing the square m^2 - 25/2 m = 5/2 Use radicals as needed and separate with a comma. Thank you so much!!

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Solve by completing the square m^2 - 25/2 m = 5/2 Use radicals as needed and separate with a comma. Thank you so much!!      Log On


   

Question 321282: Solve by completing the square
m^2 - 25/2 m = 5/2
Use radicals as needed and separate with a comma.
Thank you so much!!
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve by completing the square
m^2 - 25%2F2m = 5%2F2
:
m^2 - 25%2F2m + ____ = 5%2F2
:
Calculate the 3rd term to complete the square (25/4)^2 = 625/16
m^2 - 25%2F2m + 625%2F16 = 5%2F2 + 625%2F16
:
m^2 - 25%2F2m + 625%2F16 = 40%2F16 + 625%2F16
:
m^2 - 25%2F2m + 625%2F16 = 665%2F16
:
(m - 25%2F4)^2 = 665%2F16
Find the square root of both sides
m - 25%2F4 = +/-sqrt%28665%2F16%29
Extract the fraction from the radical
m - 25%2F4 = +/-%281%2F4%29sqrt%28665%29
Two solutions
m = 25%2F4 + %281%2F4%29sqrt%28665%29
or
m = %2825+%2B+sqrt%28665%29%29%2F4
and
m = %2825+-+sqrt%28665%29%29%2F4