Completing the Square
In this lesson on completing the square, the instructor explains how to manipulate quadratic expressions to find the solutions to a given equation. They provide a step-by-step example of completing the square and deriving the quadratic formula, as well as discussing how to use the discriminant to determine the number of solutions and how to graph a quadratic equation. The lesson emphasizes that x can have two values when the discriminant is greater than 0, one value when the discriminant is equal to 0, and no real values when the discriminant is less than 0. The instructor also demonstrates how to apply these concepts to graphing quadratic equations.
A coherent explanation of Completing the Square in a way that makes sense and you can follow. Also, an example problem of completing the square, as well as a lead-in to the quadratic formula by completing the square. Finally, an explanation of how the discriminant can be used and how to graph a quadratic equation.
- Lesson Slides - Slides that are written on from the lesson.
- Derivation of the Quadratic Formula - An animated derivation of the quadratic formula.
- How do you Complete the Square?
- What is Completing the Square?
- How do you get the Quadratic Formula?
- Where does the Quadratic Formula come from?
- Why does Quadratic Formula work?
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Staff Review
If you are like most of America and are having trouble understanding how to "Complete the Square", then check out this video. It gives a step-by-step process, showing where everything comes from. Also, the lesson leads up to finding the quadratic formula, which is one of the major reasons why completing the square is so useful. The lesson touches at the end on the quadratic formula and how it is used. A great lesson for learning what it means to complete the square. -
