Wetzel 

Math 102

10.1 – Completing the Square

Quadratic Equations:

            Know how to recognize one and how to solve one by factoring.

Example:

1.)                    2.)                   3.) 

**If all variables are being squared, isolate the power and take the inverse root of both sides.

4.)                          5.) 

Completing the Square:

            If a quadratic equation cannot be solved by factoring, solve it by Completing the Square.

            Steps:

                        1.)  Write in standard form, 

                        2.)  Move c to the right side of the equation.

                        3.)  Add to both sides.

                        4.)  The left side will factor into a perfect square.  Simplify the right side.

                        5.)  Take the square root of each side.

                        6.)  Solve.

Example:   Solve by Completing the Square.

1.)                           2.)