a^2-2a+72=0

Solution for a^2-2a+72=0 equation:

Simplifying
a2 + -2a + 72 = 0

Reorder the terms:
72 + -2a + a2 = 0

Solving
72 + -2a + a2 = 0

Solving for variable 'a'.

Begin completing the square.

Move the constant term to the right:

Add '-72' to each side of the equation.
72 + -2a + -72 + a2 = 0 + -72

Reorder the terms:
72 + -72 + -2a + a2 = 0 + -72

Combine like terms: 72 + -72 = 0
0 + -2a + a2 = 0 + -72
-2a + a2 = 0 + -72

Combine like terms: 0 + -72 = -72
-2a + a2 = -72

The a term is -2a.  Take half its coefficient (-1).
Square it (1) and add it to both sides.

Add '1' to each side of the equation.
-2a + 1 + a2 = -72 + 1

Reorder the terms:
1 + -2a + a2 = -72 + 1

Combine like terms: -72 + 1 = -71
1 + -2a + a2 = -71

Factor a perfect square on the left side:
(a + -1)(a + -1) = -71

Can't calculate square root of the right side.

The solution to this equation could not be determined.