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Unit 14: Lesson 8

Solve equations by completing the square

Completing the Square Practice Test

About completing the square:.

We previously learned how to solve quadratic equations by factoring. In many cases, we must utilize a different method. When this occurs, we can turn to a method known as completing the square. This method creates a perfect square trinomial on one side and sets it equal to a constant on the other. We can then solve using the square root property.

Instructions: solve each equation.

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x^2 - 4x - 32=0$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}x^2 - 4x - 60=0$$

Watch the Step by Step Video Solution   |   View the Written Solution

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x^2 - 10x - 36=0$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}3x^2 + 6x - 70=-10$$

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x^2 - 4x + 48=-5$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}2x^2 + 4x + 4=10$$

$$a)\hspace{.2em}4x^2 + 73=6 - 2x$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}8x^2 - 10x + 5=-8x$$

$$a)\hspace{.2em}69 - 17x=4x - 2x^2$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}10x^2 - 4x=142$$

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x=-4, 8$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}x=-6, 10$$

Watch the Step by Step Video Solution

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x=5 \pm \sqrt{61}$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}x=-1 \pm \sqrt{21}$$

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x=2 \pm 7i$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}x=-3, 1$$

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x=\frac{-1 \pm i\sqrt{267}}{4}$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}x=\frac{1 \pm i\sqrt{39}}{8}$$

$$a)\hspace{.2em}x=\frac{21 \pm i\sqrt{111}}{4}$$

$$b)\hspace{.2em}x=\frac{1 \pm 2\sqrt{89}}{5}$$

More Examples of Completing the Squares

In my opinion, the “most important” usage of completing the square method is when we solve quadratic equations. In fact, the Quadratic Formula that we utilize to solve quadratic equations is derived using the technique of completing the square. Here is my lesson on Deriving the Quadratic Formula .

Applications of Completing the Square Method

Example 1 : Solve the equation below using the method of completing the square.

x^2-9x+14=0

Move the constant to the right side of the equation, while keeping the x -terms on the left. I can do that by subtracting both sides by 14 .

x^2-9x=-14

Next, identify the coefficient of the linear term (just the x -term) which is

x^2-9x=-14

Take that number, divide by 2 and square it.

(-9/2)^2=81/4

Add {{81} \over 4} to both sides of the equation, and then simplify.

x^2-9x+81/4=25/4

Express the trinomial on the left side as a square of binomial.

(x-9/2)^2=25/4

Take the square roots of both sides of the equation to eliminate the power of 2 of the parenthesis. Make sure that you attach the plus or minus symbol to the constant term (right side of the equation).

x-9/2=plus or minus 5/2

Solve for “ x ” by adding both sides by {9 \over 2} .

x=plus or minus 5/2+9/2

Find the two values of “ x ” by considering the two cases: positive and negative.

x sub 1 = 7 and x sub 2 = 2

Therefore, the final answers are {x_1} = 7 and {x_2} = 2 . You may back-substitute these two values of x from the original equation to check.

Example 2 : Solve the equation below using the method of completing the square.

x^2+8x+2=22

Subtract 2 from both sides of the quadratic equation to eliminate the constant on the left side.

x^2+8x=20

Divide 8 by 2 and square it.

(8/2)^2=16

Add 16 to both sides of the equation.

x^2+8x+16=36

Express the left side as square of a binomial.

(x+4)^2=36

Take square roots of both sides.

x equals plus or minus 6 minus 4

Example 3 : Solve the equation below using the technique of completing the square.

6x^2+69x-36=0

Eliminate the constant - 36 on the left side by adding 36 to both sides of the quadratic equation.

6x^2+69=36

Divide the entire equation by the coefficient of the {x^2} term which is 6 . Reduce the fraction to its lowest term.

x^2+(23/2)x=6

Identify the coefficient of the linear term.

x^2+(23/2)x=6, where the coefficient of the linear term s 23/2

Divide this coefficient by 2 and square it.

[(23/2)/2]^2 = 529/16

Add this output to both sides of the equation. Be careful when adding or subtracting fractions.

x^2+(23/2)x+529/16=625/16

Express the trinomial on the left side as a perfect square binomial. Then solve the equation by first taking the square roots of both sides. Don’t forget to attach the plus or minus symbol to the square root of the constant term on the right side.

x+23/4=plus or minus 25/4

Finish this off by subtracting both sides by {{{23} \over 4}} . You should obtain two values of “ x ” because of the “plus or minus”.

x sub 1 = 1/2 and x sub 2 = -12

The final answers are {x_1} = {1 \over 2} and {x_2} = - 12 .

Example 4 : Solve the equation below using the technique of completing the square.

-3x^2-2x+5=-3

Step 1: Eliminate the constant on the left side, and then divide the entire equation by - \,3 .

x^2+(2/3)x=8/3

Step 2: Take the coefficient of the linear term which is {2 \over 3} . Divide it by 2 and square it.

[(2/3)/2]^2=1/9

Step 3: Add the value found in step #2 to both sides of the equation. Then combine the fractions.

x^2+(2/3)x+1/9=25/9

Step 4: Express the trinomial on the left side as square of a binomial.

(x+1/3)^2=25/9

Step 5: Take the square roots of both sides of the equation. Make sure that you attach the “plus or minus” symbol to the square root of the constant on the right side. Simplify the radical.

x+1/3=plus or minus 5/3

Step 6: Solve for x by subtracting both sides by {1 \over 3} . You should have two answers because of the “plus or minus” case.

x sub 1 = 4/3 and x sub 2 = -2

Previous Page | Page 2 of 2

IMAGES

  1. Completing the square and solving quadratic equations

    practice problems for solving quadratic equations by completing the square

  2. Quadratic Equation Worksheet /Problem with Solution

    practice problems for solving quadratic equations by completing the square

  3. Solving Quadratic Equations By Completing The Square Examples With Answers

    practice problems for solving quadratic equations by completing the square

  4. 30 Completing the Square Practice Worksheet

    practice problems for solving quadratic equations by completing the square

  5. Completing the Square Formula: Your Step-by-Step Guide

    practice problems for solving quadratic equations by completing the square

  6. Worksheet : Solving Quadratic Equations By Finding Square Roots Practice Problems. Solving

    practice problems for solving quadratic equations by completing the square

VIDEO

  1. QUADRATIC EQUATIONS(COMPLETING THE SQUARE)

  2. Lesson 1.4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square (Part 2 of 3)

  3. LESSON 2C SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS BY COMPLETING THE SQUARE

  4. Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square

  5. Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square

  6. Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square Part 1 13 3 3

COMMENTS

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  2. Solve equations by completing the square (practice)

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  5. Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing The Square

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  6. Complete Square Practice

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  7. Quadratic Equations By Completing the Square

    Solving Quadratic Equations By Completing the Square. Solve each equation by completing the square. 1) p. 2 + 14p − 38 = 0. 2) v. 2 + 6v − 59 = 0. 3) a.

  8. Completing the Square Practice Math Problems and Examples

    Practice questions · x 2 + 8 x − 9 = 0 x^2 + 8x - 9 = 0 x2+8x−9=0 · 3 x 2 + 12 x = 0 3x^2 + 12x = 0 3x2+12x=0 · x 2 + 4 x = − 4 x^2 + 4x = -4 x2

  9. Completing the Square (More Examples)

    Applications of Completing the Square Method ... Example 1: Solve the equation below using the method of completing the square. ... Move the constant to the right

  10. Solve Equations by Completing the Square: Practice

    This video continues with solving equations by completing the square. More example problems are covered and discussed.