Chapter 4.2, Problem 13E

To determine

To solve: $p^2-3p-88=0$ by completing the square.

Answer to Problem 13E

  $p=11\text{ or }p=-8$

Explanation of Solution

Given information: $p^2-3p-88=0$

Calculation:

  $p^2-3p-88=0,$

That is:

  $\left(p-11\right)\left(p+8\right)=0,$

Thus:

  $p-11=0\text{ or }p+8=0,$

That is:

  $p=11\text{or }p=-8$