Use completing the square to solve for x in the equation (x-12) (x+4) = 9.

X = - 1 or 15

X = 1 or 7

X=41 141

x = 4 + 173

x = 4 + sqrt (73) or x = 4 - sqrt (73)

Step-by-step explanation by completing the square:

Solve for x:

(x - 12) (x + 4) = 9

Expand out terms of the left hand side:

x^2 - 8 x - 48 = 9

Add 48 to both sides:

x^2 - 8 x = 57

Add 16 to both sides:

x^2 - 8 x + 16 = 73

Write the left hand side as a square:

(x - 4) ^2 = 73

Take the square root of both sides:

x - 4 = sqrt (73) or x - 4 = - sqrt (73)

Add 4 to both sides:

x = 4 + sqrt (73) or x - 4 = - sqrt (73)

Add 4 to both sides:

Answer: x = 4 + sqrt (73) or x = 4 - sqrt (73)