Solving Quadratics by Completing the Square and Quadratic Formula

Front

What is the first step in solving a Quadratic Equation using Completing the Square?

Back

Get the variable terms on one side by themselves.

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a)

Front

What do you do to the b value to correctly complete the square?

Back

Divide it by 2 and square the result.

Front

What is the first step to solving the equation a² + 10a + 21 = 0 by completing the square?

Back

Subtract the 21.

Front

What does it mean to complete the square?

Back

To transform a quadratic equation into a perfect square trinomial.

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

An expression of the form (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b².

Front

How do you find the vertex of a parabola given in standard form y = ax² + bx + c?

Back

The vertex is at the point (-b/(2a), f(-b/(2a))).

Front

What is the discriminant in the quadratic formula?

Back

The discriminant is b² - 4ac, which determines the nature of the roots.

Front

What does a positive discriminant indicate?

Back

Two distinct real roots.

Front

What does a zero discriminant indicate?

Back

One real root (the roots are the same).