Completing the square using algebra tiles

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on completing the square for the quadratic expression \(y = x^2 + 4x + 5\) using algebra tiles. The green square represents \(x^2\), while two blue rectangles represent \(2x\). To complete the square, a red square with side lengths of 2 is added, resulting in the expression \(y = (x + 2)^2 + 1\). This method visually demonstrates the algebraic manipulation required to rewrite the quadratic in vertex form.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic equations and their standard form
  • Familiarity with algebra tiles as a visual learning tool
  • Knowledge of completing the square technique
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the use of algebra tiles for other quadratic expressions
  • Learn about the vertex form of quadratic equations
  • Study the graphical interpretation of completing the square
  • Investigate the relationship between completing the square and the quadratic formula
USEFUL FOR

Students learning algebra, educators teaching quadratic functions, and anyone interested in visual methods for solving equations.

Gitty
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I'm trying to create a square using algebra tiles. The question is x^2 + 4x + 5. I know how to do it without the algebra tiles but I don't know how to do it with the algebra tiles.

Can anyone give me a hand with this?
 
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Consider the following diagram:

View attachment 5305

In the quadratic:

$$y=x^2+4x+5$$

Let the green square represent $x^2$, which we have, and the 2 blue rectangles each represent $$2x$$ ($x$ by 2), which we also have, and so we see the red square will need to have side lengths of 2, and thus an area of 4, so we can then write:

$$y=\left(x^2+4x+4\right)+1$$

We know the expression within the parentheses represents the entire square, whose sides measure $x+2$, and so we may write:

$$y=(x+2)^2+1$$
 

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