Completing the Square

Definition

Rearranging a quadratic equation to express it in a perfect square form by adding or subtracting a constant term. This allows for easier factoring or solving for the roots of the equation.

Related terms

Quadratic Equation: An equation of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.

Vertex Form: A way of expressing a quadratic equation as y = a(x - h)^2 + k, where (h,k) represents the coordinates of the vertex.

Discriminant: The expression b^2 - 4ac found in the quadratic formula that determines the nature of the solutions (real, imaginary, or repeated) of a quadratic equation.