How do you solve #-2(x+3)^2 + 7 = -25#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-10-03T20:56:11

#x =-1 " or " x=-7#

The usual approach with a quadratic equation is to make it
equal to 0. However, this one is a special case - there is no #x# term.

First isolate the bracket:

#-2(x+3)^2 color(red)(+7) =-25#

#-2(x+3)^2 =-25 color(red)(-7)#

#color(blue)(-2)(x+3)^2 =-32#

#(x+3)^2 = (-32)/(color(blue)(-2)) = 16#

#x+3 = +-sqrt16#

#x = +4-3 = 1#

#x =-4-3 =-7#