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The method of “completing the square” offers an option for solving quadratic equations that
are not factorable with integers alone (solutions may include fractions, radicals, or imaginary numbers).
Step 1: Rearrange–Divide (as needed)
 Rearrange the equation, placing the constant term to the right of the equal sign and the variable terms
to the left. Leave blanks on each side of the equation for values you will add in the next step.
 If necessary, divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the highest power term to make
the leading coefficient 1. Completing the square won’t work unless the lead coefficient is 1!
Example 1 Example 2

Step 2: Half–Square–Add
 Take ½ (divide by 2) the coefficient of x; then square the result.
 Add that number to both sides of the equation.

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Step 3: Factor Left–Simplify Right

 Factoring the left side will result in two identical binomials which can be written as a perfect square.
This is the square you completed!
 Simplify the right side by adding the constant and number that resulted from step 2.

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Step 4: Solve!
 Use the square root property (take the square root of both sides) to solve for x.
 Remember to use both positive and negative values on the right to allow for two
solutions. * √
(imaginary number)

√( √ √( √
) √ ( ) ) √ ( )

√ √
EP, 8/2013

√ √ √ √
{ } { }

See next side of this sheet for more about completing the square.
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Learning Center
409-882-3373

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Besides providing an alternative to factoring for solving quadratic equations, “completing the
square” is useful for writing equations in specific formats.
Standard Form of a Circle Vertex form of a Quadratic Function (parabola)
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Given: Given:
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Step 1: Divide & Group, Move Constant Rt. Step 1: Group & Factor
 If needed, divide to make the coefficients x2 and y2  Group x terms within parentheses.
one (these coefficients are always identical in circle  If the coefficient of x2 is anything other than one,
equations). factor out that number from the x term group.
 Group x terms and y terms, leaving blanks for the Leave a blank for the value to add in the next step.
values to be added in the next step.  The constant remains outside the parentheses. To
 Move the constant to the right of the equal sign; balance the equation, you must subtract whatever
leave two blanks for values you will add. you add, so leave a blank behind the constant.
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Step 2: Complete the Square Twice, (Add) Step 2: Complete the Square, (Add-Mult.-Subtract)
 Complete the square for the x group and for the y  Complete the square for the x group (Half-Square-
group (Half-Square-Add, Factor). Add, Factor).
 Values added to the left side must also be added to  Multiply the number that completes the square by
the right (remember to use a common the number you factored out; subtract this number
denominator when adding fractions). from the constant.

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By the distributive property, you really add -2, so you must
subtract the same number to balance the equation.
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This is the standard form of a circle! This is the vertex form of a quadratic function!
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Step 3: Identify Center and Radius Step 3: Identify the Vertex

 Change signs if needed to conform to the standard  Change the sign in the parentheses if needed to
circle equation. The center is (h, k). conform to the standard parabola equation. The
 The radius, √ vertex is (h, k).

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EP, 8/2013

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Search for “completing the square” at PurpleMath.com for additional examples and applications.