The constant is always the square of half Factor Using “COMPLETING THE SQUARE” Look at these trinomials that are perfect square trinomials. x2 + 6x + 9 = ( x + 3 ) 2 x2 – 12x + 36 = ( x – 6 ) 2 Notice: Factoring using “Perfect Square Trinomials” or the “T” Method will give you the square of the binomial outcome. To complete the square for an expression in the form x2 + bx, you must add to the expression. Examples: Find n to complete the square. 1. 2. 3. STEPS TO COMPLETE THE SQUARE: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) The constant is always the square of half of the coefficient of the x-term. Or If the leading coefficient is NOT one, divide both sides by the leading coefficient TO MAKE IT A ONE. Rewrite the equation in the form x2 + bx = c Complete the square by adding to both sides Write the trinomial as a square Solve the equation using legal algebra moves Round to the nearest hundredth

Examples: 4. 6. 5. 7.