PrepWisePrepWiseCompleting the Square
AlgebraStudy Notes

Worked Example 2: Negative b

Part of Completing the Square — GCSE Mathematics

This study notes covers Worked Example 2: Negative b within Completing the Square for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Completing the Square in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 10 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 5 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 4 of 5

Practice

10 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

Worked Example 2: Negative b

Write x² − 6x + 2 in completed square form

Solution

p = half of −6 = −3

(x − 3)² − (−3)² + 2

= (x − 3)² − 9 + 2

= (x − 3)² − 7

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Completing the Square. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Worked Example 1Worked Example 3: Finding Turning PointA Perfect FormMethod: When a = 1

Practice Questions for Completing the Square

To write x² + 10x + 3 in the form (x + p)² + q, what is the value of p?

  • A. 10
  • B. 5
  • C. 3
  • D. 25
1 markfoundation

Explain how you can tell from the completed square form whether a quadratic has a minimum or a maximum turning point.

2 markshigher

Quick Recall Flashcards

Completing Square Formula
x² + bx + c = (x + b/2)² − (b/2)² + c. Halve b, square it, adjust constant.
Completing the Square
(x + p)² + q form. Half the b term, square it

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 10 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards for Completing the Square — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha

Previous

Worked Example 1

Next

Worked Example 3: Finding Turning Point