To solve the quadratic equation \( x^2 - 6x - 16 = 0 \) using the quadratic formula, we use the formula:
\[ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \]
In this equation, \( a = 1 \), \( b = -6 \), and \( c = -16 \).
-
Calculate the discriminant (\( b^2 - 4ac \)): \[ b^2 = (-6)^2 = 36 \] \[ 4ac = 4 \times 1 \times (-16) = -64 \] \[ b^2 - 4ac = 36 - (-64) = 36 + 64 = 100 \]
-
Now apply the quadratic formula: \[ x = \frac{-(-6) \pm \sqrt{100}}{2 \times 1} = \frac{6 \pm 10}{2} \]
-
Find the two potential solutions: \[ x_1 = \frac{6 + 10}{2} = \frac{16}{2} = 8 \] \[ x_2 = \frac{6 - 10}{2} = \frac{-4}{2} = -2 \]
Thus, the solutions are: \[ x = 8, \quad x = -2 \]
The correct response is: x=8, x=−2.