completing the square

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. a method, usually of solving quadratic equations, by which a quadratic expression, as x 2 − 4 x + 3, is written as the sum or difference of a perfect square and a constant, x 2 − 4 x + 4 + 3 − 4 = (x − 2) 2 − 1, by addition and subtraction of appropriate constant terms.

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Example Sentences

For these types of equations, we can use a process called completing the square.

From Textbooks • Sep. 23, 2020

TRY IT : : 9.39 Solve by completing the square: 4x2 + 3x = 2.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

TRY IT : : 9.29 Solve by completing the square: a2 + 4a + 9 = 30.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

Solve by completing the square: 3x2 + 2x = 4.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

Solve by three methods—formula, factoring, and completing the square: Review equations in the quadratic form and solve: 2.

From A Review of Algebra by Rivenburg, Romeyn Henry