Question 66879
Use the quadratic formula to solve the problem.
x^2+4x-3=0
:
Here it is step-by-step. It's probably the most important formula in basic algebra. It will help you a lot down the road if you learn it thoroughly. 
:
The quadratic formula:
{{{x = (-b +- sqrt( b^2-4*a*c ))/(2*a) }}}
:
In this problem, a= 1; b = 4; c =-3
{{{x = (-4 +- sqrt( 4^2-4*1*(-3) ))/(2*1) }}}
:
{{{x = (-4 +- sqrt( 16 - (-12) ))/(2) }}}
:
{{{x = (-4 +- sqrt( 16 + 12 ))/(2) }}}
:
{{{x = (-4 +- sqrt( 28 ))/(2) }}}
:
{{{x = (-4 +- sqrt( 2*2*7 ))/(2) }}}
:
{{{x = (-4 +- 2*sqrt(7 ))/(2) }}}
:
Divide 2 into -4 & 2 and you have two solutions:
:
x = -2 + sqrt(7); in decimal numbers: +0.64575
and 
x = -2 - sqrt(7); in decimal numbers: -4.64575