## Elementary Algebra

Published by Cengage Learning

# Chapter 10 - Quadratic Equations - 10.2 - Completing the Square - Problem Set 10.2 - Page 449: 45

#### Answer

In order to solve a quadratic equation using the method of completing the square, we first must make the coefficient in front of $x^2$ one if it is not one already. Then, we must make the constant term equal to one half of the coefficient of the x term squared. (For instance, if it was 5x, it would need to be $(5/2)^2 = 25/4$. Then, we create the square and solve. We also use factoring in part a).

#### Work Step by Step

In order to solve a quadratic equation using the method of completing the square, we first must make the coefficient in front of $x^2$ one if it is not one already. Then, we must make the constant term equal to one half of the coefficient of the x term squared. (For instance, if it was 5x, it would need to be $(5/2)^2 = 25/4$. Then, we create the square and solve.

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