How To:

Complete the
Square

Complete the Square

When you need solve a
quadratic equation
that you CANNOT solve
by FACTORING

Example: x2+ 12x + 4 = 0

Solve

x2+ 12x + 4 = 0

By Completing the square

Step One:
Put all constants to the
right of the equal sign

x2+ 12x + 4 = 0
- 4 -4
x2+ 12x = -4

Step Two:
Find k= () b
x2+ 12 x = -4
k = () b
= ()(12)
=6

Step Three:
Square k: (k2)

k=6
k2=36

Step Four:
Add k2 to both sides
of the equation and simplify

x2+ 12 x = -4
x2+ 12 x+36 = -4+36
x2+ 12 x +36= 32

Step five:
Factor the left side of
the equation and rewrite

x2+ 12 x +36
(x+6)(x+6)
= (x+6) 2
So the equation becomes

(x+6) 2 = 32

Step Six:
Take the square root of
both sides and solve for x

(x+6) 2 =
x+6=
x=

32
32

32-6

x=

32-6

and youre
done!
Other Helpful Resources:
Pearson Algebra I Textbook (Common Core)
Khan Academy Video on Completing the Square:
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra2/polynomial_and_rational/quad_formula_
tutorial/v/solving-quadratic-equations-by-completing-the-square
Websites:
www.khanacademy.org
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/completing-square.html