Completing the Square to Derive the Quadratic Formula

Completing the Square to Derive the Quadratic Formula

Observe how completing the square on a general quadratic equation, with any leading coefficient, leads to the quadratic formula.


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Putting It All Together

Answer these open ended questions on your own or with others to form deeper math connections.

Open-ended question

Are there any values for a, b, or c that would make the quadratic formula inappropriate to use? Why or why not?

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