Try It
In this activity, you will use the method of completing the square to transform a quadratic equation into vertex form, and then use that form of the quadratic equation to find the zeros, or solutions, to the quadratic equation.
Steps for Completing the Square
Step 1: Group the x terms.
Step 2: Factor out the coefficient of the x2 term.
Step 3: Take half of the coefficient of x and then square it. Add this value to the terms in the parentheses.
Step 4: Keep the equality of the equation by taking the product of the value factored out in Step 2 and the value added in Step 3, and subtracting it.
Step 5: Factor
Steps for Solving Quadratic Equations in Vertex Form
Step 1: Set the equation equal to zero.
Step 2: Isolate the parentheses.
Step 3: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
Step 4: Simplify.
Step 5: Solve for x.
