What is the first step in solving the quadratic equation negative 5 x squared plus 8 is equal to 133 ?

First, isolate the term containing x² by subtracting 8 from both sides: −5x² + 8 − 8 = 133 − 8, giving −5x² = 125. Then you can divide by −5 and continue solving. So the first step is subtracting 8 from both sides.

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