5s^2-17s=-16

Solution for 5s^2-17s=-16 equation:

Simplifying
5s2 + -17s = -16

Reorder the terms:
-17s + 5s2 = -16

Solving
-17s + 5s2 = -16

Solving for variable 's'.

Reorder the terms:
16 + -17s + 5s2 = -16 + 16

Combine like terms: -16 + 16 = 0
16 + -17s + 5s2 = 0

Begin completing the square.  Divide all terms by
5 the coefficient of the squared term: 

Divide each side by '5'.
3.2 + -3.4s + s2 = 0

Move the constant term to the right:

Add '-3.2' to each side of the equation.
3.2 + -3.4s + -3.2 + s2 = 0 + -3.2

Reorder the terms:
3.2 + -3.2 + -3.4s + s2 = 0 + -3.2

Combine like terms: 3.2 + -3.2 = 0.0
0.0 + -3.4s + s2 = 0 + -3.2
-3.4s + s2 = 0 + -3.2

Combine like terms: 0 + -3.2 = -3.2
-3.4s + s2 = -3.2

The s term is -3.4s.  Take half its coefficient (-1.7).
Square it (2.89) and add it to both sides.

Add '2.89' to each side of the equation.
-3.4s + 2.89 + s2 = -3.2 + 2.89

Reorder the terms:
2.89 + -3.4s + s2 = -3.2 + 2.89

Combine like terms: -3.2 + 2.89 = -0.31
2.89 + -3.4s + s2 = -0.31

Factor a perfect square on the left side:
(s + -1.7)(s + -1.7) = -0.31

Can't calculate square root of the right side.

The solution to this equation could not be determined.