1. 5.4 Completing the Square

2. Completing the Square
For quadratics in form: ax2 + bx + c where a = 1, we can use completing the square to solve.
Find b/2
Find (b/2)2
Add (b/2)2 to both sides if it is a quadratic equation
Add (b/2) inside the parenthesis

3. Completing the Square Helpful format: Example 1:
x2 + bx + __(b/2)2__ = ( x + __b/2____) 2
Example 1:
x2 – 6x
Answer:
x2 – 6x + 9 = (x – 3)2

4. Completing the Square Example 2: x2 + 15x Answer:
x2 + 15x + (15/2)2 = (x + (15/2))2

5. Completing the Square Example 3: x2 + 6x – 16 = 0 Answer:

6. Completing the Square Example 4: x2 + 18x – 40 = 0 Answer: