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This algebra 2 math tutorial from NutshellMath offers targeted homework help on using the completing the square method to solve quadratic equations. The instruction is focused on problems 1, 3, 8-11 and 32-47 on pages 310 and 311 of the Algebra 2 text from Glencoe Mathematics.


Homework problems involving solving quadratic equations for roots are very common in algebra. While there are several methods of solving quadratic equations, the homework problems discussed in this tutorial use the completing the square method. The completing the square method uses the square root property and addition to find a solution in terms of x.

To use the completing the square method, it is first necessary to subtract any constants on the quadratic side of the equation from both sides, to get the equation in the form ax2+bx=-c. It is then possible to add one half the square of b, the linear coefficient to each side of the equation. Doing so creates a perfect square on the quadratic side, and a constant on the other. It is then possible to apply the square root property to each side and solve the linear root equations for the two possible solutions.

Using completing the square to solve quadratic equations is a useful method that is often faster than the quadratic formula, and will work in cases where factoring does not. For homework problems specifically requiring completing the square, this tutorial will offer examples as to how to use this method effectively.