Completing the Square Practice Questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around practice questions related to completing the square, a technique used in algebra, particularly in the context of quadratic equations and parabolas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about their understanding of parabolas and vertices, with some seeking clarification on completing the square. There are mentions of trial and error in solving equations and suggestions to use the quadratic formula or factorization as alternative methods.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the concept of parabolas and the process of completing the square, while others have shared specific practice questions. The discussion includes varying levels of understanding, with some participants indicating a need for further explanation.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing foundational knowledge, such as the definition of a parabola, which some participants are attempting to clarify. Additionally, the original poster expresses a desire for step-by-step solutions for study purposes.

valentines
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http://img114.exs.cx/img114/3245/untitled10ff.jpg

see if any of you guys can solve a few of these.. if you guys can show me the steps so that i can study them for any of my future tests that would be great. :eek:
 
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valentines said:
see if any of you guys can solve a few of these.. if you guys can show me the steps so that i can study them for any of my future tests that would be great. :eek:
16. Do you know what a parabola is?? Do you know what a vertex is?

17. Can you complete the square?

18. This is more of trial and error than a formula.

19. Pretend the 'more than or equal to' sign is an equal sign and then solve.

20. Can you use the quadratic equation or factorise?

If you know any of this I can start to help, if not I need to explain it. :smile:

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
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The Bob said:
16. Do you know what a parabola is?? Do you know what a vertex is?

17. Can you complete the square?

18. This is more of trial and error than a formula.

19. Pretend the 'more than or equal to' sign is an equal sign and then solve.

20. Can you use the quadratic equation or factorise?

If you know any of this I can start to help, if not I need to explain it. :smile:

The Bob (2004 ©)

nope. i have no idea what I am doing.
:cry:

edit: actually, i know what a vertex is.

i don't know what a parabola is though :bugeye:
 
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A parabola is what you get when you draw the function y = x2. Do you know what that looks like?

Lets say you have x2 - 6x + 10. Completing the square would make the equation like this: (x - 3)2 + 10 - 9 = (x - 3)2 + 1. All that has happened is the -6x has been halved and put in brackets and then the new number (-3) has been squared and taken away from the 10.

Try completing the sqaure of x2 - 10x + 30. Completing the sqaure is also needed for 19.

18. I would use the quadratic formula : [tex]\frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/tex] but I think it will want you to complete the square.

Question 20 can be factorise from 2x2 - 7x - 15 = 0 to (2x + 3)(x - 5) = 0 and then you have some values to use.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
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I need to go sleep now but here are some completing the square question, for you, for practise and I am sure someone else will say if they are right or wrong for you:

y = x2 - 8x + 20
y = x2 - 4x + 7
y = x2 + 2x + 2
y = x2 + 4x + 2
y = x2 - 10x + 25

Good Luck and I will read what you have done tomorrow. :smile:

The Bob (2004 ©)
 

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