Completing the square: 2x^2 - 20x + 8 = 0

[kjones]

Could someone walk me through (baby steps, please) solving this equations:

2x^2 - 20x + 8 = 0

 

[tkhunny]

Could someone walk me through (baby steps, please) solving this equations:

2x^2 - 20x + 8 = 0

Remove common factors
x^2 - 10x + 4 = 0

Move the constant term
x^2 - 10x = -4

Calculate the new constant term
10/2 = 5
5^2 = 25

Adjust the equation
x^2 - 10x + 25 = -4 + 25

Factor and Simplify
(x-5)^2 = 21

Finish Up
x-5 = sqrt(21) and x-5 = -sqrt(21)
x = 5 + sqrt(21) and x = 5 - sqrt(21)

One for free. You show us the next one.