1. 5.4 – Completing the Square
Objectives:
Use completing the square to solve a quadratic equation.
Use the vertex form of a quadratic function to locate the
axis of symmetry of its graph.
Standard: N. Solve quadratic equations symbolically and graphically

6. Example 1

7. Example 1 c and d c. x2 – 7x d. x2 + 16x The coefficient of x is -7
½ (-7) = 
Thus the perfect square trinomial is
d. x2 + 16x
The coefficient of x is 16
½ (16) = 8  (8)2 = 64
Thus the perfect square trinomial is

8. Solving Equations by Completing the Square
STEPS:
Make sure A = 1.
Bring the C to the Zero side.
Complete the Square -“ take ½ of B and Square It.”
Add the completed square to each side.
Express the left side using perfect square notation.
Solve the equation.

10. Example 2a

11. Example 2b

12. Example 2c

13. Practice – Completing the Square

19. Homework: packet sec. 5-4