![\bf \textit{let's start by grouping} \\\\\\ x^2+4x+y^2-2y=20\implies (x^2+4x)+(y^2-2y)=20 \\\\\\ (x^2+4x+\boxed{?}^2)+(y^2-2y+\boxed{?}^2)=20](/tpl/images/0290/5583/871bb.png)
so hmm we're missing a couple of folks, one in each group, to get a perfect square trinomial
now, recall
![\bf \begin{array}{cccccllllll} {{ a}}^2& + &2{{ a}}{{ b}}&+&{{ b}}^2\\ \downarrow && &&\downarrow \\ {{ a}}&& &&{{ b}}\\ &\to &({{ a}} + {{ b}})^2&\leftarrow \end{array}\qquad % perfect square trinomial, negative middle term \begin{array}{cccccllllll} {{ a}}^2& - &2{{ a}}{{ b}}&+&{{ b}}^2\\ \downarrow && &&\downarrow \\ {{ a}}&& &&{{ b}}\\ &\to &({{ a}} - {{ b}})^2&\leftarrow \end{array}](/tpl/images/0290/5583/78436.png)
so.. the middle term of a perfect square trinomial, is really 2 * the other 2 guys
so hmm we can say 2 * x * ? = 4x, thus 2x * ? = 4x, thus cross-multiplying
? = 2
now, for the other, 2 * y * ? = 2y, thus 2y* ? = 2y thus ? = 1
so our guys are 2 and 1
now, bear in mind, all we're doing, is borrowing from our very good friend Mr Zero, 0, so, if we add whatever, we also have to subtract whatever
thus