SOLUTION: I am having difficulty on this problem. Any help that you could provide would be appreciated. directions are: solve the equation by completing the square. x^2 + 3x - 1 = 0

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: I am having difficulty on this problem. Any help that you could provide would be appreciated. directions are: solve the equation by completing the square. x^2 + 3x - 1 = 0       Log On


   

Question 279772: I am having difficulty on this problem. Any help that you could provide would be appreciated.
directions are: solve the equation by completing the square.
x^2 + 3x - 1 = 0
Thanks, Mike
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E2+%2B+3x+-+1+=+0
Take 1/2 the x coefficient (b), square it, and add to both sides.
In this case, b=3
%283%2F2%29%5E2=9%2F4
x%5E2+%2B+3x+-+1+=+0
%28x%5E2+%2B+3x+%2B9%2F4%29-+1+=+9%2F4
%28x%2B3%2F2%29%5E2=9%2F4%2B4%2F4
+%28x%2B3%2F2%29%5E2=13%2F4