How to complete the square of a quadratic function:

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A quadratic relation in standard form, y = ax + bx + c, can be rewritten in vertex form y = a(x – h) + k by
creating a perfect square in the original and then factoring the square.

Steps used to complete the square Standard form  Vertex form Vertex form parameters
Divide out the common constant
1 factor from both the x2- and x- y = a (x2 + x) + c
terms.
Determine the constant that must be
added (and subtracted) to create a
2 y = a (x2 + x+ )+c
perfect square. This is half the
coefficient of the x-term, squared.
Group the three terms of the perfect
square. Multiply the subtracted y = a (x2 + x+ –a +c
3
value and move it outside the
bracket. h=–
2
y = a (x + ) –a× +c

Factor the perfect square and collect k=– +c

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like terms. y = a (x + ) – +c