Completing the Square
Completing the Square
Steps
These steps should be followed to complete the square:
Steps | Example |
1. Be sure that the coefficient of the highest power is one. If it is not, divide each term by that value to create a leading coefficient of one. | |
2. Move the constant term to the right hand side. | |
3. Prepare to add the needed value to create the perfect square trinomial. Be sure to balance the equation. The boxes may help you remember to balance. | |
4. To find the needed value for the perfect square trinomial, take half of the coefficient of the middle term (x-term), square it, and add that value to both sides of the equation. | |
5. Factor the perfect square trinomial. | |
6. Take the square root of each side and solve. Remember to consider both positive and negative results. |