Completing the Square: Tips for Solving Equations with Coefficients

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the technique of completing the square in quadratic equations, particularly when a coefficient is present in front of the highest power term.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses difficulty with a specific problem involving a leading coefficient. Some participants suggest factoring the leading coefficient out before completing the square, while others inquire about the value of "a" in the context of the equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to the problem, with some guidance provided on factoring and completing the square. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas without a clear consensus on the best method yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's challenge stems from encountering a quadratic equation with a leading coefficient, which differs from previous problems they have solved.

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So far all the completing the square problems I've done do not have a coefficient in front of the highest power. This one has me stuck. :( What should I do to complete the square?
 
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Factor the leading coefficient out of all the terms and then complete the square.
 
(x-a)2= x2+ 2ax+ a2. After you have factored out that leading 4, what is "a"?
 
So would it be something like this?

4(y2 − y +1/4) − 3 − 1
4(y− 1/2)2 − 4
 
Last edited:
It would be a lot like that.
 

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