Answer:
x = 2 or x = -4
Step-by-step explanation:
Solve for x over the real numbers:
-x^2 - 2 x + 8 = 0
Multiply both sides by -1:
x^2 + 2 x - 8 = 0
Add 8 to both sides:
x^2 + 2 x = 8
Add 1 to both sides:
x^2 + 2 x + 1 = 9
Write the left hand side as a square:
(x + 1)^2 = 9
Take the square root of both sides:
x + 1 = 3 or x + 1 = -3
Subtract 1 from both sides:
x = 2 or x + 1 = -3
Subtract 1 from both sides:
Answer: x = 2 or x = -4
