First ensure that the x^2 term has a coefficient of 1 by dividing every term by 4: x^2 + 7x = 8 Then find the value of (b/2)^2 which is 12.25 or 49/4 (7/2)^2 Then add 49/4 to both sides: x^2 + 7x + 49/4 = 81/4 Then factor the equation into: (x + 7/2)^2 = 81/4 Apply the square root property: +- (x + 7/2) = 9/2 Solve for x: x - 7/2 = 9/2 for one root x = 16/2 x + 7/2 = 9/2 for the other root x = 2/2 So, roots are 8 and 1. Hope this helps!
