Solving the Quadratic Equation: (x-4)² + 8 = 0
This article will guide you through the steps of solving the quadratic equation (x-4)² + 8 = 0.
Understanding the Equation
The equation (x-4)² + 8 = 0 represents a quadratic equation in standard form, which is ax² + bx + c = 0. In this case:
- a = 1 (coefficient of x²)
- b = -8 (coefficient of x)
- c = 24 (constant term)
Solving for x
We can solve for x using the following steps:
- Expand the square: (x-4)² = x² - 8x + 16
- Substitute: x² - 8x + 16 + 8 = 0
- Simplify: x² - 8x + 24 = 0
- Use the quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
- Substitute the values of a, b, and c:
- x = (8 ± √((-8)² - 4 * 1 * 24)) / (2 * 1)
- Simplify:
- x = (8 ± √(-32)) / 2
- x = (8 ± 4√(-2)) / 2
- x = 4 ± 2√(-2)
- Substitute the values of a, b, and c:
- Express in terms of imaginary unit: √(-2) = √(-1 * 2) = √(-1) * √2 = i√2
- Final Solution: x = 4 ± 2i√2
Conclusion
Therefore, the solutions to the quadratic equation (x-4)² + 8 = 0 are x = 4 + 2i√2 and x = 4 - 2i√2. These solutions are complex numbers, meaning they involve the imaginary unit 'i' (where i² = -1).