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x^{2}+2x-6=5
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-6-5=5-5
Subtract 5 from both sides of the equation.
x^{2}+2x-6-5=0
Subtracting 5 from itself leaves 0.
x^{2}+2x-11=0
Subtract 5 from -6.
x=\frac{-2±\sqrt{2^{2}-4\left(-11\right)}}{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\left(-11\right)}}{2}
Square 2.
x=\frac{-2±\sqrt{4+44}}{2}
Multiply -4 times -11.
x=\frac{-2±\sqrt{48}}{2}
Add 4 to 44.
x=\frac{-2±4\sqrt{3}}{2}
Take the square root of 48.
x=\frac{4\sqrt{3}-2}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-2±4\sqrt{3}}{2} when ± is plus. Add -2 to 4\sqrt{3}.
x=2\sqrt{3}-1
Divide -2+4\sqrt{3} by 2.
x=\frac{-4\sqrt{3}-2}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-2±4\sqrt{3}}{2} when ± is minus. Subtract 4\sqrt{3} from -2.
x=-2\sqrt{3}-1
Divide -2-4\sqrt{3} by 2.
x=2\sqrt{3}-1 x=-2\sqrt{3}-1
The equation is now solved.
x^{2}+2x-6=5
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-6-\left(-6\right)=5-\left(-6\right)
Add 6 to both sides of the equation.
x^{2}+2x=5-\left(-6\right)
Subtracting -6 from itself leaves 0.
x^{2}+2x=11
Subtract -6 from 5.
x^{2}+2x+1^{2}=11+1^{2}
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=11+1
Square 1.
x^{2}+2x+1=12
Add 11 to 1.
\left(x+1\right)^{2}=12
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{12}
Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
x+1=2\sqrt{3} x+1=-2\sqrt{3}
Simplify.
x=2\sqrt{3}-1 x=-2\sqrt{3}-1
Subtract 1 from both sides of the equation.