Solve the equation [tex][tex]$x^2 + 12x - 11 = 0$[/tex][/tex] by completing the square. Give your answers correct to 3 significant figures.



Answer :

To solve the quadratic equation [tex]\(x^2 + 12x - 11 = 0\)[/tex] by completing the square, follow these steps:

1. Start with the given equation:
[tex]\[ x^2 + 12x - 11 = 0 \][/tex]

2. Move the constant term to the right side of the equation:
[tex]\[ x^2 + 12x = 11 \][/tex]

3. Find the value that completes the square:
We need to add and subtract [tex]\(\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2\)[/tex] inside the equation, where [tex]\(b\)[/tex] is the coefficient of [tex]\(x\)[/tex]. In this case, [tex]\(b = 12\)[/tex].
[tex]\[ \left(\frac{12}{2}\right)^2 = 6^2 = 36 \][/tex]

4. Add and subtract this value on the left side of the equation:
[tex]\[ x^2 + 12x + 36 - 36 = 11 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ x^2 + 12x + 36 = 47 \][/tex]

5. Rewrite the left side as a perfect square trinomial:
[tex]\[ (x + 6)^2 = 47 \][/tex]

6. Take the square root of both sides:
[tex]\[ x + 6 = \pm\sqrt{47} \][/tex]

7. Solve for [tex]\(x\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ x = -6 \pm \sqrt{47} \][/tex]

8. Calculate the numerical values and round to three significant figures:
- The positive solution:
[tex]\[ x_1 = -6 + \sqrt{47} \approx 0.856 \][/tex]
- The negative solution:
[tex]\[ x_2 = -6 - \sqrt{47} \approx -12.856 \][/tex]

Therefore, the solutions to the equation [tex]\(x^2 + 12x - 11 = 0\)[/tex] are:
[tex]\[ x \approx 0.856 \quad \text{and} \quad x \approx -12.856 \][/tex]
rounded to three significant figures.

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