Question

How do you solve using the completing the square method `-2x^2 + 5x + 1/8 = 0`?

Answer 1

`(5 +- sqrt26)/4`

Explanation:

Divide by -2:
`x^2 - (5x)/2 - 1/16 = 0`
`x^2 - (5x)/2 + 25/16 = 1/16 + 25/16 = 26/16`
`(x - 5/4)^2 = 26/16`
`(x - 5/4) = +- sqrt26/2`
`x = 5/4 +- sqrt26/4 = (5 +- sqrt26)/4`