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Solve for x (complex solution)
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x^{2}+2x+1=-10
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^{2}+2x+1-\left(-10\right)=-10-\left(-10\right)
Add 10 to both sides of the equation.
x^{2}+2x+1-\left(-10\right)=0
Subtracting -10 from itself leaves 0.
x^{2}+2x+11=0
Subtract -10 from 1.
x=\frac{-2±\sqrt{2^{2}-4\times 11}}{2}
This equation is in standard form: ax^{2}+bx+c=0. Substitute 1 for a, 2 for b, and 11 for c in the quadratic formula, \frac{-b±\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}.
x=\frac{-2±\sqrt{4-4\times 11}}{2}
Square 2.
x=\frac{-2±\sqrt{4-44}}{2}
Multiply -4 times 11.
x=\frac{-2±\sqrt{-40}}{2}
Add 4 to -44.
x=\frac{-2±2\sqrt{10}i}{2}
Take the square root of -40.
x=\frac{-2+2\sqrt{10}i}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-2±2\sqrt{10}i}{2} when ± is plus. Add -2 to 2i\sqrt{10}.
x=-1+\sqrt{10}i
Divide -2+2i\sqrt{10} by 2.
x=\frac{-2\sqrt{10}i-2}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-2±2\sqrt{10}i}{2} when ± is minus. Subtract 2i\sqrt{10} from -2.
x=-\sqrt{10}i-1
Divide -2-2i\sqrt{10} by 2.
x=-1+\sqrt{10}i x=-\sqrt{10}i-1
The equation is now solved.
x^{2}+2x+1=-10
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.
\left(x+1\right)^{2}=-10
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{-10}
Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
x+1=\sqrt{10}i x+1=-\sqrt{10}i
Simplify.
x=-1+\sqrt{10}i x=-\sqrt{10}i-1
Subtract 1 from both sides of the equation.