Question
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By completing the square, bnow that the solutions to
are given by

Ask by Harmon Wheeler. in South Africa
Mar 25,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

To solve the quadratic equation by completing the square, follow these steps:
  1. Divide both sides by (if ).
  2. Move the constant term to the other side.
  3. Add the square of half the coefficient of to both sides.
  4. Write the left side as a perfect square.
  5. Take the square root of both sides.
  6. Solve for .
The solutions are:

Solution

To complete the square for the quadratic equation , we will follow these steps:
  1. Divide by (if ):
  2. Rearrange the equation:
  3. Complete the square:
    • Take half of the coefficient of (which is ), square it, and add it to both sides:
  4. Rewrite the left side as a square:
  5. Combine the right side:
  6. Take the square root of both sides:
  7. Isolate :
  8. Combine the terms:
Thus, we have derived the quadratic formula by completing the square.

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Beyond the Answer

Did you know that the process of completing the square dates back to ancient civilizations? The Babylonians used geometric methods to solve quadratic equations over 3,500 years ago! They weren’t just scribbling numbers; they were visualizing solutions, drawing squares and rectangles to understand relationships between variables. It’s fascinating how this method evolved into the algebraic technique we use today for deriving solutions for quadratic equations.
Now, in the real world, this formula is not just for textbooks! Engineers use it to design structures and optimize materials by predicting how different forces will affect shapes. Economists might use the quadratic formula to analyze profit maximization or cost minimization scenarios. Whether building a bridge or planning a budget, this elegant formula plays a crucial role in informing decision-making across various fields!

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