Question

question 2 of 10
what would be the most logical first step for solving this quadratic equation?
$x^2 + 2x - 14 = 6$

a. subtract 6 from both sides
b. divide both sides by $x$
c. take the square root of both sides
d. add 14 to both sides

Explanation:

To solve a quadratic equation, we typically want it in standard form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). The given equation is \(x^2 + 2x - 14 = 6\). Subtracting 6 from both sides will move the 6 to the left side, resulting in \(x^2 + 2x - 14 - 6 = 0\) or \(x^2 + 2x - 20 = 0\), which is in standard form. Dividing by \(x\) is not helpful here and may lose a solution. Taking the square root is not logical as the left side isn't a perfect square yet. Adding 14 would not put the equation in standard form. So the most logical first step is to subtract 6 from both sides.

Answer:

A. Subtract 6 from both sides