Solve the Equation: (x-4)² - x(x+8) = 16 Step by Step

Quadratic Equations with Algebraic Simplification

(x4)2x(x+8)=16 (x-4)^2-x(x+8)=16

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:04 Use the shortened multiplication formulas to open the parentheses
00:10 Open parentheses properly, multiply by each factor
00:19 Collect like terms
00:34 Isolate X
00:38 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

(x4)2x(x+8)=16 (x-4)^2-x(x+8)=16

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll perform the following steps:

  • Step 1: Expand (x4)2(x-4)^2
  • Step 2: Expand and simplify x(x+8)-x(x+8)
  • Step 3: Combine like terms to form a quadratic equation
  • Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation by factoring

Let's go through these steps with detailed explanations:

Step 1: Expand (x4)2(x-4)^2.

Using the formula (ab)2=a22ab+b2(a-b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2, we get:

(x4)2=x28x+16(x-4)^2 = x^2 - 8x + 16.

Step 2: Expand x(x+8)-x(x+8).

Using the distributive property, x(x+8)=x28x-x(x+8) = -x^2 - 8x.

Step 3: Combine both parts and simplify:

We have:

x28x+16x28x=16x^2 - 8x + 16 - x^2 - 8x = 16.

Simplify by combining like terms:

-16x + 16 = 16.

Subtract 16 from both sides:

-16x = 0.

Solve for xx:

-16x = 0 \implies x = 0.

Thus, the solution to the equation is x=0x = 0.

3

Final Answer

x=0 x=0

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Expansion: Apply (ab)2=a22ab+b2 (a-b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2 and distributive property
  • Technique: Combine like terms: x2x2=0 x^2 - x^2 = 0 leaves linear equation
  • Check: Substitute x=0 x = 0 : 160=16 16 - 0 = 16

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute negative signs correctly
    Don't expand x(x+8) -x(x+8) as x2+8x -x^2 + 8x = wrong signs! This gives 24x=0 -24x = 0 instead of 16x=0 -16x = 0 . Always distribute the negative to both terms: x28x -x^2 - 8x .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( (4b-3)(4b-3) \)

Rewrite the above expression as an exponential summation expression:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does this quadratic equation become linear?

+

Great observation! When we expand and simplify, the x2 x^2 terms cancel out (x2x2=0 x^2 - x^2 = 0 ), leaving us with only linear terms. This happens when the coefficient of x2 x^2 on both sides are equal.

How do I expand (x4)2 (x-4)^2 correctly?

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Use the perfect square formula: (ab)2=a22ab+b2 (a-b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2 . So (x4)2=x22(x)(4)+42=x28x+16 (x-4)^2 = x^2 - 2(x)(4) + 4^2 = x^2 - 8x + 16 . Don't forget the middle term!

What if I get confused with the negative signs?

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Write each step clearly! For x(x+8) -x(x+8) , distribute the negative to both terms: xx+(x)8=x28x -x \cdot x + (-x) \cdot 8 = -x^2 - 8x . Take your time with signs - they're crucial!

Should I always expect the quadratic terms to cancel?

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No! This problem is special because both sides have the same x2 x^2 coefficient. Most quadratic equations keep their x2 x^2 terms and need factoring or the quadratic formula to solve.

How can I check my work before solving?

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After expanding, collect like terms carefully. You should have: x28x+16x28x=16 x^2 - 8x + 16 - x^2 - 8x = 16 . Notice the x2 x^2 terms will cancel, leaving 16x+16=16 -16x + 16 = 16 .

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