Completing the Square

Steps

Example

1. Be sure that the coefficient of the highest power is one. If it is not, divide each term by that value to create a leading coefficient of one.

2. Move the constant term to the right hand side.

3. Prepare to add the needed value to create the perfect square trinomial. Be sure to balance the equation. The boxes may help you remember to balance.

4. To find the needed value for the perfect square trinomial, take half of the coefficient of the middle term (x-term), square it, and add that value to both sides of the equation.

5. Factor the perfect square trinomial.

6. Take the square root of each side and solve. Remember to consider both positive and negative results.