## Intermediate Algebra for College Students (7th Edition)

$x^2 + 8x + 15 = 0$ can easily be solved by completing the square. Unlike factoring which requires trial and error, using completing the square method will directly give you the solution set by using the square root property. For instance: $x^2 + 8x + 15 = 0$ $x^2 + 8x = -15$ coefficient of the $x$-term = $8$; $\frac{8}{2}=4$; $4^2=16$ Add $16$ to both sides to complete the square: $x^2 + 8x +16= -15+16$ $x^2 + 8x +16= 1$ $(x+4)^2 = 1$ Using the Square Root Property $u^2 = d$, then $u = \sqrt d$ or $u = - \sqrt d$. Thus, $x +4= ±\sqrt{1}$ $x = -4±1$ $x=-3$ $x=-5$
$x^2 + 8x + 15 = 0$ can easily be solved by completing the square. Unlike factoring which requires trial and error, using completing the square method will directly give you the solution set by using the square root property. For instance: $x^2 + 8x + 15 = 0$ $x^2 + 8x = -15$ coefficient of the $x$-term = $8$; $\frac{8}{2}=4$; $4^2=16$ Add $16$ to both sides to complete the square: $x^2 + 8x +16= -15+16$ $x^2 + 8x +16= 1$ $(x+4)^2 = 1$ Using the Square Root Property $u^2 = d$, then $u = \sqrt d$ or $u = - \sqrt d$. Thus, $x +4= ±\sqrt{1}$ $x = -4±1$ $x=-3$ $x=-5$