Question

How do you solve using the completing the square method `y^2 + 16y = 2`?

Answer 1

`y = -8 +- sqrt66`

Explanation:

find the number needed to complete the square:
`(b/2)^2 = (16/2)^2 = 64`
add to both sides of w=equation
`y^2 + 16y + 64 = 2 + 64`
factor and simplify
`(y + 8)(y + 8) = 66 -> (y + 8)^2 = 66`
take square root of both sides
`y + 8 = +- sqrt66`
subtract 8 from both sides
`y = -8 +-sqrt66`