How do you solve x2+4x+7=0?

1 Answer
Aug 12, 2015

Try factoring first. It won't work, so either use the quadratic formula or complete the square, as you prefer.

Explanation:

x2+4x+7=0

The expression will not factor using integers.

Use your favorite of either the quadratic formula or completing the square.

Completing the square

Because the leading coefficient is 1, and the coefficient of x is even, completing the square is a good choice for this equation.

x2+4x =7

x2+4x+4=7+4

(x+2)2=3

Which has no solution in the Real Numbers, but has 2 imaginary solutions in the Complex Numbers.

x+2=±3=±i3

x=2±i3

Quadratic formula
x2+4x+7=0

x=b±b24ac2a

x=(4)±(4)24(1)(7)2(1)

=4±16282

=4±122

Which has no solution in the Real Numbers, but has 2 imaginary solutions in the Complex Numbers.

=4±2i32

=2±i3