Question

what is the first step in solving the quadratic equation $-5x^2 + 8 = 133$?
options:

• squaring both sides of the equation
• taking the square root of both sides of the equation
• subtracting 8 from both sides of the equation
• adding 8 to both sides of the equation

Explanation:

Step1: Identify goal: isolate $x^2$ term

To solve $-5x^2 + 8 = 133$, first eliminate the constant term ($+8$) on the left side by subtracting 8 from both sides.

Step2: Verify first step logic

Subtracting 8 isolates the term with $x^2$, which is required before further steps like dividing or taking square roots. Squaring or taking square roots first would complicate the equation unnecessarily, and adding 8 would move the constant in the wrong direction.

Answer:

subtracting 8 from both sides of the equation