Day 148 – April 23

Algebra: Chapter 13, Lesson 3, page 586.

Solving quadratics by completing the squares

We can use the technique of completing the square to solve quadratic equations. Recall that the addition property allows us to add a number to both sides of the equation. To complete a square, take 12 of the x-coefficient, square it and add it to both sides of the quadratic equation.

For example:

x24x7=0 becomes x24x=7 by adding 7 to both sides.

Now, take 12 of the x coefficient (the -4 in -4x). 12 of the -4 is -2. Now square that, -22=4 and

x24x+4=7+4 by adding 4 to both sides to complete the square.

REMEMBER: x24x+4 factored becomes (x2)2

(x2)2=11 or by square rooting each side to x2=±11 so that

x=2±11 or 2+11 and 211 as the final solutions.

Purplemath explains it too, just click here for step-by-step instructions.

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