Math Problem Statement

Solve by completing the square: 2x^2 + 12x + 3 = 15

Solution

To solve the quadratic equation 2x2+12x+3=152x^2 + 12x + 3 = 15 by completing the square, follow these steps:

Step 1: Move the constant term to the other side

First, subtract 15 from both sides: 2x2+12x+315=02x^2 + 12x + 3 - 15 = 0 2x2+12x12=02x^2 + 12x - 12 = 0 2x2+12x=122x^2 + 12x = 12

Step 2: Divide by the coefficient of x2x^2

Next, divide the entire equation by 2 to simplify: x2+6x=6x^2 + 6x = 6

Step 3: Complete the square

To complete the square, take half of the coefficient of xx, square it, and add it to both sides. The coefficient of xx is 6, so: (62)2=9\left( \frac{6}{2} \right)^2 = 9 Add 9 to both sides: x2+6x+9=6+9x^2 + 6x + 9 = 6 + 9 (x+3)2=15(x + 3)^2 = 15

Step 4: Solve for xx

Now, take the square root of both sides: x+3=±15x + 3 = \pm \sqrt{15} x=3±15x = -3 \pm \sqrt{15}

Thus, the solutions are: x=3+15orx=315x = -3 + \sqrt{15} \quad \text{or} \quad x = -3 - \sqrt{15}

Would you like further details on any of the steps?

Here are 5 related questions you could explore:

  1. How do you complete the square for a quadratic with a coefficient other than 1 in front of x2x^2?
  2. What are other methods to solve quadratic equations apart from completing the square?
  3. How do you find the vertex of a parabola using the completed square form?
  4. How is completing the square related to the quadratic formula?
  5. Can you always solve a quadratic equation using the method of completing the square?

Tip: Completing the square is a useful technique for converting a quadratic equation into a form that makes it easy to find the vertex or solve it.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Completing the Square

Formulas

Standard form of a quadratic equation: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Completing the square formula: (x + p)^2 = q

Theorems

Quadratic Equation Solving Techniques
Square Root Principle

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11