1.4 Warmup Solution

Problem

1. What number would need to be added to both sides of the equation to complete the square?

a. = 0

b. = 0

Solution

Remember the expression can be made into a perfect square by adding the square of one-half the coefficient of x,

When completing the square in an equation, must be added to both sides of the equation.

First, we must get the constants on the right side of the equation and then add the term to both sides of the equation.

      a. For the equation, = 0, we must first get into the form:

         so the term to be added to both sides is:

      b. For the equation, = 0, we must first get into the form:

         so the term to be added to both sides is:

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