How do you solve x^2 - 4x - 32 = 0?

1 Answer
Mar 23, 2018

The root of the equation is x = 2+-6 or x = 8 and x = -4.

Explanation:

For an equation in the form of ax^2 + bx + c= 0, the quadratic formula (x=(-b+-sqrt(b^2-4ac))/(2a)) can be applied.

Plugging in 1 for a, -4 for b, and -32 for c:

x=(-(-4)+-sqrt((-4)^2-4(1)(-32)))/(2(1))

x=(4+-sqrt(16-4(-32)))/2

x=(4+-sqrt(16-(-128)))/2

x=(4+-sqrt(144))/2

x=4/2+-sqrt(144)/2

x=2+-12/2

x=2 +- 6

Doing addition:

x=2+6 = 8

Doing subtraction:

x=2-6 = -4