How do you solve x^2-6x-11=0 by completing the square?

1 Answer
Aug 13, 2016

x = 3+-2sqrt(5)

Explanation:

Move the constant term to the RHS. Take half the x coefficient. Square it and add to both sides.

x^2 - 6x + (-3)^2 = 11 + (-3)^2

Can simplify this to

(x-3)^2 = 20

Take square roots of both sides

x - 3 = +-sqrt(20) = +-2sqrt(5)

x = 3+-2sqrt(5)