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Solve for x (complex solution)
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x^{2}-2x+10=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{-\left(-2\right)±\sqrt{\left(-2\right)^{2}-4\times 10}}{2}
This equation is in standard form: ax^{2}+bx+c=0. Substitute 1 for a, -2 for b, and 10 for c in the quadratic formula, \frac{-b±\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}.
x=\frac{-\left(-2\right)±\sqrt{4-4\times 10}}{2}
Square -2.
x=\frac{-\left(-2\right)±\sqrt{4-40}}{2}
Multiply -4 times 10.
x=\frac{-\left(-2\right)±\sqrt{-36}}{2}
Add 4 to -40.
x=\frac{-\left(-2\right)±6i}{2}
Take the square root of -36.
x=\frac{2±6i}{2}
The opposite of -2 is 2.
x=\frac{2+6i}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{2±6i}{2} when ± is plus. Add 2 to 6i.
x=1+3i
Divide 2+6i by 2.
x=\frac{2-6i}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{2±6i}{2} when ± is minus. Subtract 6i from 2.
x=1-3i
Divide 2-6i by 2.
x=1+3i x=1-3i
The equation is now solved.
x^{2}-2x+10=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}-2x+10-10=-10
Subtract 10 from both sides of the equation.
x^{2}-2x=-10
Subtracting 10 from itself leaves 0.
x^{2}-2x+1=-10+1
Divide -2, the coefficient of the x term, by 2 to get -1. Then add the square of -1 to both sides of the equation. This step makes the left hand side of the equation a perfect square.
x^{2}-2x+1=-9
Add -10 to 1.
\left(x-1\right)^{2}=-9
Factor x^{2}-2x+1. 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-1\right)^{2}}=\sqrt{-9}
Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
x-1=3i x-1=-3i
Simplify.
x=1+3i x=1-3i
Add 1 to both sides of the equation.