Answer:
x = +/- sqrt(5) - 2
Explanation:
Take the leading coefficient of the second term and multiply by (1/2):
(4/2) ---> 2
Take 2 and square it: 4
Now add 4 to both sides of the equation:
x^2 + 4x + 4 = 1 + 4
The left side is a perfect square so simplify so that it is a perfect square:
(x+2)^2 = 5
Take the square root of borh sides:
x + 2 = +/- sqrt(5)
Finally, subtract 2 on both sides:
x = +/- sqrt(5) - 2
