Vocabulary
Completing the Square- The process of adding a term to a quadratic expression of the form x²+bx to make it a perfect square trinomial.
Essential Information
Completing the Square
To complete the square for the expression x² + bx, add (b/2)²
x² + bx + (b/2)² = (x+ (b/2))(x+ (b/2)) = (x+ (b/2))²
To complete the square for the expression x² + bx, add (b/2)²
x² + bx + (b/2)² = (x+ (b/2))(x+ (b/2)) = (x+ (b/2))²
Solving Equations
The method of completing the square can be used to solve any quadratic equation. When completing a square, the same number must be added to both sides of the equation.
The method of completing the square can be used to solve any quadratic equation. When completing a square, the same number must be added to both sides of the equation.
Vertex Form
The vertex form of a quadratic function is y=a(x-h)²+k where (h,k) is the vertex of the function's graph. To write a quadratic function in vertex form, use completing the square.
The vertex form of a quadratic function is y=a(x-h)²+k where (h,k) is the vertex of the function's graph. To write a quadratic function in vertex form, use completing the square.