Worked Example 2: Negative b
Part of Completing the Square · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision
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 6 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 6
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.
Practice Questions for Completing the Square
To write x² + 10x + 3 in the form (x + p)² + q, what is the value of p?
Explain how you can tell from the completed square form whether a quadratic has a minimum or a maximum turning point.
Quick Recall Flashcards
10 questions on Completing the Square — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 3 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
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