To solve the quadratic equation \( x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0 \) by completing the square, follow these steps:
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Start with the original equation: \[ x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0 \]
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Move the constant term to the other side: \[ x^2 + 2x = 8 \]
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To complete the square, take half of the coefficient of \( x \) (which is 2), square it, and add it to both sides. Half of 2 is 1, and squaring it gives 1: \[ x^2 + 2x + 1 = 8 + 1 \]
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This simplifies to: \[ (x + 1)^2 = 9 \]
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Now, take the square root of both sides: \[ x + 1 = 3 \quad \text{or} \quad x + 1 = -3 \]
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Solve for \( x \): \[ x = 3 - 1 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -3 - 1 \] \[ x = 2 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -4 \]
Thus, the solutions to the equation \( x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0 \) are: \[ x = 2 \quad \text{and} \quad x = -4 \]
The correct response from the provided options is: x=2, x=−4 (x equals 2, x equals negative 4).