could someone help me understand this equation?

Question

Solve the following equation.


a² +36=12a

Answer 1

PLEASE LEARN THE PHILOSOPHY OF SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS:

1.  Put all terms on one side, so that you have a quadratic (ax² + bx + c) = 0

2.  Factor the quadratic  [if not possible, then you'll have to use the Quadratic Formula]

3.  Use the Zero Product Property, setting the individual factors to zero, thus finding (usually) two solutions.

 

In this case, a² +36=12a  can be written as a² - 12a + 36 = 0.

 

You should recognize that this is a perfect square: (a - 6)² = 0  so in this instance you get only one answer:

6.