SOLUTION: Solve the equation x^2 + 8x + 2 = 0 using both 1. The Quadratic Formula 2. Completing the Square Explain which method you prefer and why. Please kindly help me. I

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: Solve the equation x^2 + 8x + 2 = 0 using both 1. The Quadratic Formula 2. Completing the Square Explain which method you prefer and why. Please kindly help me. I      Log On


   

Question 102040: Solve the equation x^2 + 8x + 2 = 0 using both

1. The Quadratic Formula
2. Completing the Square
Explain which method you prefer and why.
Please kindly help me. I am having problem answering this question.


Answer by MathLover1(20849) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1.
x%5E2+-+8x+-+3+=+0
x%281%2C2%29+=+-8%2F2+%2B-+sqrt%288%5E2-4%2A%28-3%29%29%2F2%29
x%281%2C2%29+=+-8%2F2+%2B-+sqrt%2864%2B12%29%2F2%29%29%29
x%281%2C2%29+=+-8%2F2+%2B-+sqrt%2876%29%2F2%29 here
we can simplifysqrt%2876%29%2F2%29 this way sqrt%2876%3A4%29%2F%282%3A2%29 and we will have sqrt%2819%29
x1+=%28+-4+%2B+sqrt%2876%29%2F2%29
x2+=%28+-4+-+sqrt%2876%29%2F2%29

2.
x%5E2+-+8x+-+3+=+0
x%5E2+-+2%2A4%2Ax+%2B+4%5E2+=+3+%2B+4%5E2
%28x-4%29%5E2+=+19
x+=+4+%2B+sqrt%2819%29
or
x+=+4+-+sqrt%2819%29+
Completing the Square is the method which I prefer because of the simplicity it offers.