To solve the quadratic equation \(x^2 - 6x - 20 = 20\) by completing the square, we first rearrange the equation:
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Subtract 20 from both sides to set the equation to 0: \[ x^2 - 6x - 20 - 20 = 0 \implies x^2 - 6x - 40 = 0 \]
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Next, we'll complete the square for the expression \(x^2 - 6x\). To do this, take half of the coefficient of \(x\), square it, and then add and subtract it. The coefficient of \(x\) is \(-6\):
- Half of \(-6\) is \(-3\).
- Squaring \(-3\) gives \(9\).
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Add and subtract \(9\) inside the equation: \[ x^2 - 6x + 9 - 9 - 40 = 0 \implies (x - 3)^2 - 49 = 0 \]
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Rearranging gives: \[ (x - 3)^2 = 49 \]
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Taking the square root of both sides: \[ x - 3 = \pm 7 \]
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Solving for \(x\):
- For \(x - 3 = 7\): \[ x = 10 \]
- For \(x - 3 = -7\): \[ x = -4 \]
Therefore, the solutions to the equation are \(x = 10\) and \(x = -4\).
The correct response is: x=10, x=−4 (or x equals 10 , x equals negative 4).