x^2 = 7x + 4
Subtract x^2 from both sides.
-x^2 + 7x + 4
Multiply all terms by -1.
x^2 - 7x - 4
Check if splitting the middle term is possible:
List factors of -4:
1 * -4
-1 * 4
2 * -2
None of the factors fit the criteria.
We can solve using the quadratic formula:
[tex]-b +/- \frac{\sqrt{b^2 - 4ac} }{2a}[/tex]
7 +/- √(49 + 16)/2
7 +/- √65/2