Solve quadratics by inspection, square roots, completing the square, formula, and factoring; express complex solutions.
Solve a quadratic equation by completing the square
Problem
Solve \(x^{2}+4x-12=0\) by completing the square. Isolate the variable terms, add the required value to both sides, and use both square-root branches.
Big Picture
What this problem is really about
Completing the square will turn the two variable terms into one squared binomial. We’ll move the constant, add the square of half the linear coefficient to both sides, factor the perfect square, and use both square-root branches before solving the resulting linear equations.
Inside Gozunta
Turn the preview into practice.
More than a preview
Gozunta lets you study this problem—and more than 10,000 others.
Create targeted learning sessions, use hints, check your answer, read the walkthrough, watch the video, print the work, and track your progress.
