Question

Which of the following would be the most logical first step to solving this quadratic equation?

x^2 - 4x + 16 = 2

A.) Subtract 2 from both sides.

B.) Divide both sides by x

C.) Take the square root of both sides

D.) Factor the left side into a perfect square.

Answer 1

The quadratic equation x² - 4x + 16 = 2

Subtract 2 from each side.

x² - 4x + 16 - 2 = 2 - 2

x² - 4x + 14 = 0

Compare it to general quadratic form

Roots are

Solutions are

Therefore, the first step to solving  this quadratic equation "Subtract 2 from both sides".

Option A is correct.