Two Routes, One Answer Math

9709 · 1.1 Quadratics · completing the square when a ≠ 1

Two Routes, One Answer

There are two ways to complete the square when the number in front of x2 is not 1. You can factor it out, or you can divide by it. Both are correct. Run them side by side and watch where they agree, and the one place they do not.

1 · Pick a quadratic

Whole numbers only, and a cannot be 0. Type a minus sign as a plain hyphen.

2 · What is the question asking?

Route 1 · factor the a out

Route 2 · divide by the a