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Solve for x (complex solution)
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x^{2}+4x+5=0
All equations of the form ax^{2}+bx+c=0 can be solved using the quadratic formula: \frac{-b±\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}. The quadratic formula gives two solutions, one when ± is addition and one when it is subtraction.
x=\frac{-4±\sqrt{4^{2}-4\times 5}}{2}
This equation is in standard form: ax^{2}+bx+c=0. Substitute 1 for a, 4 for b, and 5 for c in the quadratic formula, \frac{-b±\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}.
x=\frac{-4±\sqrt{16-4\times 5}}{2}
Square 4.
x=\frac{-4±\sqrt{16-20}}{2}
Multiply -4 times 5.
x=\frac{-4±\sqrt{-4}}{2}
Add 16 to -20.
x=\frac{-4±2i}{2}
Take the square root of -4.
x=\frac{-4+2i}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-4±2i}{2} when ± is plus. Add -4 to 2i.
x=-2+i
Divide -4+2i by 2.
x=\frac{-4-2i}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-4±2i}{2} when ± is minus. Subtract 2i from -4.
x=-2-i
Divide -4-2i by 2.
x=-2+i x=-2-i
The equation is now solved.
x^{2}+4x+5=0
Quadratic equations such as this one can be solved by completing the square. In order to complete the square, the equation must first be in the form x^{2}+bx=c.
x^{2}+4x+5-5=-5
Subtract 5 from both sides of the equation.
x^{2}+4x=-5
Subtracting 5 from itself leaves 0.
x^{2}+4x+2^{2}=-5+2^{2}
Divide 4, the coefficient of the x term, by 2 to get 2. Then add the square of 2 to both sides of the equation. This step makes the left hand side of the equation a perfect square.
x^{2}+4x+4=-5+4
Square 2.
x^{2}+4x+4=-1
Add -5 to 4.
\left(x+2\right)^{2}=-1
Factor x^{2}+4x+4. In general, when x^{2}+bx+c is a perfect square, it can always be factored as \left(x+\frac{b}{2}\right)^{2}.
\sqrt{\left(x+2\right)^{2}}=\sqrt{-1}
Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
x+2=i x+2=-i
Simplify.
x=-2+i x=-2-i
Subtract 2 from both sides of the equation.