Solve by completing the square. x2 + 4x + 3 = 0?

In order to complete the square, you have to take the coefficient in front of the x (in this case, 4), divide it by 2 (4/2 = 2) and then square it (2^2 = 4). So, 4 will be the number at the end of the polynomial to create a square:

x^2 + 4x + 3 = 0

(x^2 + 4x) + 3 = 0

(x^2 + 4x + 4) + 3 – 4 = 0

(x^2 + 4x + 4) – 1 = 0

(x + 2)^2 – 1 = 0

(x + 2)^2 = 1

x + 2 = 1 or x + 2 = -1

x = -1 or x = -3

You can see more examples of completing the square at:

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/solvquad3.htm

Move the 3 over to the left side. x^2 – 4x + 3 = 0 Use x-box or you could factor. You get: (x-1)(x-3)=0 x= 1, 3

I guess I’m missing something here, but I don’t see any “squares”, and you have only one variable, x.

In this equation, 6x= -3

x= -1/2