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What number should be added to both sides of the equation to complete the square?

x2 + 8x = 4

4
8
16
32

1 answer

To complete the square for the equation \(x^2 + 8x = 4\), you need to add a number to both sides of the equation.

The process to find the number to complete the square involves taking the coefficient of \(x\) (which is 8), dividing it by 2, and then squaring that result.

  1. Take the coefficient of \(x\), which is 8.
  2. Divide it by 2: \(\frac{8}{2} = 4\).
  3. Square the result: \(4^2 = 16\).

Therefore, you need to add 16 to both sides of the equation to complete the square.

To summarize, the answer is:

16