# Completing the Square Formula

Completing the square is converting a quadratic expression of the form ax+ bx +c to the vertex form  a(x+d)2 + e

Completing the square is used for:

1. Converting a quadratic expression into vertex form
2. Analyzing at which point the quadratic expression has minimum/maximum value

## What is the Completing the Square Formula?

To complete the square in the expression ax+ bx +c, first find:

d =b/2a  and   e = c - b2/(4a)

Substitute these values in:

ax+ bx +c = a(x+d)+ e

## Solved Examples Using Completing the Square Formula

### Example 1:

Solve by completing the square.

x2-10x+16=0

Solution:

x2-10x+16=0

We will solve this by completing the square.

Here, the coefficient of x2 is already 1

The coefficient of x is -10.

The square of half of it is (-5)2 =25

Adding and subtracting it on the left-hand side of the given equation after the x term:

x- 10x + 25 - 25 +16=0

(x-5)- 25 + 16 = 0

[∵ x- 10x + 25 = (x -5)2 ]

(x - 5)2- 9 = 0

(x - 5)2 = 9

(x - 5) = ±9

Taking square root on both sides

x - 5 = 3; x - 5 =  - 3

x = 8;  x = 2

### What number should be added to x2 - 7x in order to make it a perfect square trinomial?

Solution:

The given expression is x- 7x

Method 1:

The coefficient of x is -7

Half of this number is $$\dfrac{-7}{2}$$

Finding the square,

$\left(\dfrac{-7}{2} \right)^2= \dfrac{49}{4}$

Method 2:

Comparing the given expression with $$ax^2+bx+c$$,

a = 1, b = -7

The term that should be added to make the given expression a perfect square trinomial is,

$\left( \dfrac{-b}{2a}\right)^2 = \left( \dfrac{-7}{2(1)} \right)^2= \dfrac{49}{4}$

Thus, from both the methods, the term that should be added to make the given expression a perfect square trinomial is,

Answer: $$\dfrac{49}{4}$$