Question 210968
You can always solve a quadratic equation by using the quadratic formula:{{{x = (-b+-sqrt(b^2-4ac))/2a}}} but you first have to set y = 0, and, in this problem: a = -1, b = -4, and c = -3.
These values come from looking at the general form of the quadratic equation:{{{ax^2+bx+c = 0}}} so for your equation, we have:
{{{-x^2-4x-3 = 0}}} Now substitute the values of a = -1, b = -4, and c = -3 into the quadratic formula above.
{{{x = (-(-4)+-sqrt((-4)^2-4(-1)(-3)))/2(-1)}}} Evaluate:
{{{x = (4+-sqrt(16-12))/(-2)}}}
{{{x = (4+-sqrt(4))/(-2)}}}
{{{x = -2+(-1)}}} or {{{x = -2-(-1)}}}
{{{highlight(x = -3)}}} or {{{highlight(x = -1)}}}