Solve x2 + 2x + 1 = 17 for x.

First get the equation to equal 0 by subtracting 17 from both sides.

You should have x^2+2x-16=0

Next plug your numbers into the quadratic formula (-b^2 + / - the square root of b^2-4ac - all divided by 2a)

The end result should be x=-1 + / - the square root of 17 or (if you want the decimal) 3.12310562, - 5.12310562

X=-1+√17 or x=-1-√17 is the answer.