Rewrite the equation by completing the square.

x^2 + 7x + 12 = 0

(x+7/2) ^2-1/4

Step-by-step explanation:

x^2 + 7x + 12 = 0

Write x^2+7x+12 in the form x^2+2ax+a^2: 2a=7; a=7/2

Add and subtract 7/2^2: x^2+7x+12 + (7/2) ^2 - (7/2) ^2

Complete the square: (x+7/2) ^2+12 - (7/2) ^2

Simplify: (x+7/2) ^2-1/4