Solve x 2 + 8x + 8 = 0 by completing the square.

Mathematics · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

We have,

x² + 8x + 8 = 0

Adding 8 to both side, we get

x² + 8x + 8 + 8 = 0 + 8

x² + 8x + 16 = 8

(x + 4)² = 8

By (a+b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

Now, taking square root of both sides, we get

(x + 4) =± √8

x = ± 2√2 -4

Taking positive sign

x =  2√2 - 4

x = 2( √2 - 2)

Now, taking negative sign,

x = -2 √2 - 4

x = -2( √2 + 2)