How to complete the square to solve quadratic equations?

Equation: x2 +4x-5=0 (This is in the form ax2+2bx+c=0)First divide 2b by 2 (4/2=2)Then put this into (x+b)2-(b)2+c=0This gives: (x+2)2-(2)2+ -5=0 (remembering +and- makes a -)Simplify to: (x+2)2-9=0Move the 9 across: (x+2)2=9Square root both sides: x+2=+-3 (remembering the plus and minus roots)Then take away 2 from both sides to give: x= -2+-3And the two values for x now are 1 and -5

Answered by George J. Maths tutor

2369 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Write the equation x^2 + 6x - 40 = 0 in the form (x + a)^2 - b = 0 and then solve for x


How do we complete the square with questions involving a number stuck with the x-squared?


A curve has an equation of y=2x^2 + 7x -8 . Find the co-ordinates of the turning point


Solve the following simultaneous equations. 2x + 5y = -4. 7x + y = 19


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences