Michelle A.

Algebra 2

Chapter 6: Exploring Quadratic Functions and Inequalities           (Glencoe algebra 2 edition)

Completing the Square

 

 

In math class on Tuesday Mrs. Bag Lady was teaching the students a lesson on completing the square. He gave them this problem to do  x2 + 10x + 5 = 0 and told them to solve it by the new method they have learned.

Here are the steps in solving the problem by completing the square

Step 1: Take and subtract 5 from each side of the equation so that u can get rid of the 5 and have it in place of the 0.

                                                                      x2 + 10x + 5 = 0
                                                                                     - 5    -5
                                                                      x2 + 10x = -5

Step 2: Take half of the number in front of the term X and square it, then add it to both sides of the equation.

                                                               x2 + 10x = -5                half of 10 is 5, squared 25
                                                               x2 + 10x +25 = -5 +25
                                                               x2 + 10x +25 = 20

Step 3: Factor out the left side of the equation if possible.

                                                             x2 + 10x + 25 =20
                                                             (x + 5)(x +5) = 20
                                                             (x + 5)2 = 20

Step 4: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

                                                           (x + 5)2 = 20
                                                            (x + 5) =2 square root of 5
                                                            (x +5) = + 2 square root 5

Step 5: Set up a "T" Chart to find the final answers. This will allow you complete the square.

                    x + 5 = 2 square root 5  (subtracting 5 from both sides)                  x + 5 = - 2 square root 5 (subtracting 5 from both sides)
                    x = -.528                  x = -9.472
                                                The final answers are -.528 and -9.472

CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETED THE SQUARE OF A PROBLEM!!!!!

 

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