Question

Does completing the square always work?

Answer 1

In order to use the Completing the Square method, the value for `a` in the quadratic equation must be `1`. If it is not `1`, you will have to use the AC method or the quadratic formula in order to solve for `x`.

Explanation:

Completing the square is a method used to solve a quadratic equation, `ax^2+bx+c`, where `a` must be `1`. The goal is to force a perfect square trinomial on one side and then solving for `x` by taking the square root of both sides.

The method is explained at the following website:

http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/math/algtrig/ate12/completesqlesson.htm