Solve for x in the equation x^2+20x+100=36

a). x = - 16 or x = - 4

b). x = - 10

c). x = - 8

d). x = 4 or x = 16

a

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

x² + 20x + 100 = 36 (subtract 36 from both sides)

x² + 20x + 64 = 0 ← in standard form

Consider the factors of the constant term ( + 64) which sum to give the coefficient of the x - term ( + 20)

The factors are + 16 and + 4, since

16 * 4 = + 64 and 16 + 4 = + 20, hence

(x + 16) (x + 4) = 0 ← in factored form

Equate each factor to zero and solve for x

x + 16 = 0 ⇒ x = - 16

x + 4 = 0 ⇒ x = - 4