How do you factor and solve #x^2+4x+2=0#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-07-23T13:45:08

#x = -0.586 " or "x = -3.414#

#x^2 +4x + 2=0# cannot be factored because there are no factors of 2 which add up to 4.

It can be solved by the method of completing the square or the quadratic formula. Completing the square will be easier.

#x^2 +4x color(magenta)(+(4/2))^2 = -2color(magenta)(+(4/2))^2 = -2 color(magenta)(+4) =2#

# (x + 2)^2 = 2" square root both sides"#

#x+2 = +-sqrt2#

#x = +sqrt2 -2 = " or "x = -sqrt2 -2#

#x = -0.586 " or "x = -3.414#