Question

What number should be added to both sides of the equation to complete the square? x2 – 10x = 7

Answer 1

x² – 10x = 7

To complete the square, we need to add (b/2)² to both side:

x² – 10x + (10/2)² = 7  + (10/2)²

(x - 5)² = 7 + 5²

(x - 5)² = 32

To solve for x:

(x - 5)² = 32

x - 5 = ±√32

x = ±√32 + 5

x = 5 + 4√2 or 5 - 4√2

We added (10/2)² , which is 25 to complete the square

Answer 2

For this question, you need to take half of the x coefficient and square it. I.e. 10 = -5. -52 = 25, x2 - 10x + 25 = 7 + 25, (x - 5)2 = 32.

So, the answer for this question is 32.

This type of question will aid the person to enhance their mathematical skill.