1. 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.
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

2. Examples: