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

2409 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a histogram and a bar chart? How can I find the frequency density?


How do you turn 0.11111... (recurring) into a fraction


Solve the equation: x^2 + 9x + 20 = 0


Solve x^2 + x/2 =5


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences