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x^{2}+6x+5=8
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}+6x+5-8=8-8
Subtract 8 from both sides of the equation.
x^{2}+6x+5-8=0
Subtracting 8 from itself leaves 0.
x^{2}+6x-3=0
Subtract 8 from 5.
x=\frac{-6±\sqrt{6^{2}-4\left(-3\right)}}{2}
This equation is in standard form: ax^{2}+bx+c=0. Substitute 1 for a, 6 for b, and -3 for c in the quadratic formula, \frac{-b±\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}.
x=\frac{-6±\sqrt{36-4\left(-3\right)}}{2}
Square 6.
x=\frac{-6±\sqrt{36+12}}{2}
Multiply -4 times -3.
x=\frac{-6±\sqrt{48}}{2}
Add 36 to 12.
x=\frac{-6±4\sqrt{3}}{2}
Take the square root of 48.
x=\frac{4\sqrt{3}-6}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-6±4\sqrt{3}}{2} when ± is plus. Add -6 to 4\sqrt{3}.
x=2\sqrt{3}-3
Divide -6+4\sqrt{3} by 2.
x=\frac{-4\sqrt{3}-6}{2}
Now solve the equation x=\frac{-6±4\sqrt{3}}{2} when ± is minus. Subtract 4\sqrt{3} from -6.
x=-2\sqrt{3}-3
Divide -6-4\sqrt{3} by 2.
x=2\sqrt{3}-3 x=-2\sqrt{3}-3
The equation is now solved.
x^{2}+6x+5=8
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}+6x+5-5=8-5
Subtract 5 from both sides of the equation.
x^{2}+6x=8-5
Subtracting 5 from itself leaves 0.
x^{2}+6x=3
Subtract 5 from 8.
x^{2}+6x+3^{2}=3+3^{2}
Divide 6, the coefficient of the x term, by 2 to get 3. Then add the square of 3 to both sides of the equation. This step makes the left hand side of the equation a perfect square.
x^{2}+6x+9=3+9
Square 3.
x^{2}+6x+9=12
Add 3 to 9.
\left(x+3\right)^{2}=12
Factor x^{2}+6x+9. 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+3\right)^{2}}=\sqrt{12}
Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
x+3=2\sqrt{3} x+3=-2\sqrt{3}
Simplify.
x=2\sqrt{3}-3 x=-2\sqrt{3}-3
Subtract 3 from both sides of the equation.