Intermediate Algebra: Connecting Concepts through Application

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53449-636-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-53449-636-4

Chapter 4 - Quadratic Functions - 4.4 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Square Root Property and Completing the Square - 4.4 Exercises - Page 348: 31

Answer

No real solution.

Work Step by Step

First transfer the constant to the right of the equal sign proceed with completing the square in line $1$ of the equation by dividing the coefficient of the $12m$ term by $2$ and squaring it and adding the result on both sides. $$ \begin{aligned} x^2+4x+7 & = 0 \\ x^2+4x & = -7 \\ x^2+4x+\left(\frac{4}{2}\right)^2 & =-7+\left(\frac{4}{2}\right)^2 \\ x^2+4x+4^2 & =-7+6^2 \\ (x+4)^2 & =-3. \end{aligned} $$ If the solution is to be a real number, then we can't take the square root of $-3$.
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