9

IV
SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
BY COMPLETING THE SQUARE
Mathematics – Grade 9
Quarter 1 – Module IV: Solving Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government
agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such
work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition
the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Angelee Sarmiento – Catanduanes National High School

Editors: Zoren I. Añonuevo – Baras Rural Development High School

Validators: Jonel G. Aznar – Bato Rural Development High School

Lyra C. Tusi – San Andres Vocational School
Ludy M Avila – Catanduanes National High School
Riza B. Benavidez – Bato Ruran Development High School
Romel G. Petajen – EPS-Math, Catanduanes Division

Illustrator: Edwin T. Tomes – Dororian National High School

Layout Artist: Edwin T. Tomes – Dororian National High School

 1

LESSON Solving Quadratic Equation by Completing

the Square

Did you know that solving quadratic equations that cannot

be easily solved by factoring can be solved by using completing the
square method? Your knowledge of the different Mathematics
concepts previously studied and your skills as you go through this
module will help you to investigate why solving quadratic equation
by completing the square is another way of solving quadratic
equations.

This module is designed for you to solve

quadratic equations by completing the square.

To better understand how to solve quadratic equations by

completing the square let us study some of the key concepts.

a. Completing the square – it is a method of solving quadratic

equations that involves transforming the quadratic equation ax2+ bx
+ c = 0 into the form (x – h)2 = k, where k≥0.
b. Square of a binomial- is the sum of the square of the first terms,
twice the product of the two terms, and the square of the last term.
c. Perfect square trinomial- is a polynomial composed of three whose
first and the last terms are positive to and perfect squares, and the
middle term is twice the product of the square roots of the two terms.
d. Extracting square roots- involves isolating the square and then
applying the square root property
e. Factoring Method of Solving Quadratic Equations– is the zero-
product property of real numbers. It states that the product of two real
numbers is zero if, and only if, at least one of the factors is zero.
 2

Let’s find out how much you

already know about this module.

Directions: Write the letter that you think is the best answer
to each question on a sheet of paper. Answer all items. After
taking and checking this short test, take note of the items that you
were not able to answer correctly and look for the right answer
as you go through this module.

1. It is a method of solving quadratic equations that involves transforming the

quadratic equation ax2+ bx + c = 0 into the form (x – h)2= k, when k≥0.

a. Completing the Square b. Factoring

c. Quadratic Formula d. Extracting Square Roots
2. Express x2-16x + 64 as a square of binomial.

a. (x-4)2 b. (x-8)2 c. (x+4)2 d. (x+8)2

3. Write x2-6x -41 in the form (x-h)2+ k.

a. (x-6)2+ 50 b. (x+6)2- 50 c. (x-3)2- 50 d. (x+3)2+ 50

4. Find the solutions of the equations x2- 6x + 8 = 0?

a. x=-2, -4 b. x= 2, 4 c. x = -3, -4 d. x= 3, 4

5. The length of a vegetable garden is 5 meters longer than its width and the area is
14m2. How long is the garden?

a. 9m b. 7m c. 5m d. 2m

So, how did you find the test? Don’t worry if

you were not able to answer correctly the
questions because the right answer will be
revealed as you go through this module. So,
let’s proceed!
 3

One important skill in order to easily understand solving

quadratic equations by completing the square is expressing
perfect square trinomials as a square of a binomial.

A perfect square trinomial is a polynomial composed of three

whose first and the last terms are positive to and perfect squares,
and the middle term is twice the product of the square roots of the
two terms. All perfect square trinomials can be written as a square
of a binomial, as illustrated below.
Perfect Square Trinomials Factored Form
x2+ 6x + 9 (x+3)2
t2- 8t + 16 (x-4)2
To do this, get the square root of the quadratic term (x 2) and the constant term (9),
connect the answers by the sign of the linear term then enclose the expression inside the
parenthesis, and affix an exponent of 2. That’s perfect square trinomial.

So, are you ready to apply the skill in

changing perfect square trinomial to a
square of a binomial?

Directions: Express each of the following perfect square

trinomial as a square of a binomial. Please prepare extra sheet
of your paper.
1. x2+ 4x + 4= ________
2. s2-16s + 24 = ______
3. h2- 14 h + 49 = ______
4. m2+ 18m + 81=______
25
5. w2-5w + 4
= ______

Now, suppose the constant term of

perfect square trinomial is removed,
how are you going to determine it?
 4

Example:
What number should be added to x 2+ 6x + _____to make it a perfect square
trinomial?

Solution:
• This is simple, all you have to do is to take the numerical coefficient
of the linear term, divide it by 2, and square the result.
• x2+ 6x+_____
• The numerical coefficient of the linear term (x) is 6.
• 6/2 = 3 32 9
• So the number to be added must be 9 and the perfect square trinomial
is x2+ 6x + 9.

Now, are you ready to apply the skill to

make a perfect square trinomial! Let’s
answer your task

Make it Perfect!
Directions: Determine a number that must be added to make
each of the following a perfect square trinomial. Explain how
you arrived at your answer.
1. x2 + 2x + ______
2. p2 - 30p + ______
3. w2 + 21w + _____
2
4. s2 - s + ______
3
3
5. h2 - 4h + ______

Explain how you arrived at your answer in each number.

1. _______________________________
2. _______________________________
3. _______________________________
4. _______________________________
5. _______________________________
 5

Hi! How did you find the preceding activities? Are

you ready to learn about solving quadratic equations by
completing the square? I’m sure you are! From the
activities done, you were able to solve equations, express
a perfect square trinomial as a square of binomial, and
write perfect square trinomials. But how does finding
solutions of quadratic equations facilitate solving real-life
problems and making decisions? You will find these out in
the activities in the next section. Before doing these
activities, read and understand first some important notes
on Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
and the examples presented.

Some equations like x2- 4x -4 = 0 and 3x2-6x =4 cannot be solved by extracting

square roots or by factoring. Another method of solving these types of quadratic equations
is by completing the square. This method involves transforming the quadratic equation
ax2+ bx + c = 0 into the form (x-h)2= k, where k≥0.

The following are the steps in solving quadratic equations by completing the
square:
1. Write all terms containing the unknown to the left side of the equation and the
constant term to the right side.
2. Divide each term of the equation by the numerical coefficient of x2 term. This
will make the equation to the form x2 + bx = c.
3. Divide the coefficient of x by 2, square it, then add the answer to both sides of
the equation.
4. Factor the left side of the equation. This is a perfect square trinomial. Simplify
the right side.
5. Take the square root of both sides. Write the ± sign before the square root at
the right side.
6. Equate the square root of the left side expression to the positive square root at
the right side in step 5. Then find the second root of the equation.
7. Equate the square root of the left side expression at the negative square root
of the right side in step 5. Then find the solution to the equation.
8. Check each root by substituting it to the original equation.
 6

Study the following examples showing the steps of solving quadratic equations by
completing the square.

Example 1: Solve 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒 = 𝟎 by completing the square

Solution: 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒 = 𝟎 • Write the constant on the right side of the

equation
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 = 4 + 4 • Complete the square on the left side and add the
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 = 8 same constant to the term on the right side.

(𝑥 − 2)2 = 8 • Write the expression on the left side as the

square of a binomial.
𝑥 − 2 = ±√𝟖 𝑜𝑟 ± √𝟐 • Extract the square root of both sides.
𝑥 = 𝟐 + 𝟐√𝟐 𝑜𝑟 • Solve for x.
𝑥 = 𝟐 − 𝟐√𝟐
To check: 2
= (𝟐 + 𝟐 √𝟐) − 4(2 + 2 √𝟐) – 4
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 4
= 4 + 8√𝟐 + 8 – 8 – 8 √𝟐 – 4
= 0
2
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 4 = (𝟐 − 𝟐 √𝟐) − 4(2 − 2 √𝟐) – 4
= 4 − 8√𝟐 + 8 – 8 + 8 √𝟐 – 4
= 0
The solution set of 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒 = 𝟎 𝒊𝒔 (𝟐 + 𝟐 √𝟐, 𝟐 − 𝟐 √𝟐).

In the second example, if the coefficient of x2 in the given equation is not one, use
a property of equality to find an equivalent in which the coefficient of x 2 is 1. Before
completing the square to solve the equation 3x 2 -6x = 4, divide each term by 3, the
coefficient of x2, to obtain x2 – 6/3x = 4/4 which can then be solved by completing the
square. The complete solution is shown below.

Now let us study example number 2.

Example 2. Solve 3x2-6x = 4 by completing the square.

6𝑥 4
x2 - 3 = 3 • Divide each term by 3.
4
or x2 -2x = 3

x2 – 2x + 1 =
4
+1 • Complete the square and add the
3
7 same constant to the term on the
or x2 - 2x + 1 = 3 right side.

(x – 1)2=
7
• Write the left side as the square of
3
a binomial
 7

X–1=±
√7
or ±
√21 • Extract the square root of both
3 3 sides.
X–1=
√21
or x – 1 =
−√21 • Solve for x.
3 3

√21 −√21
x = 3
+1 or x= 3
+1

3+√21 3−√21
x= 3
or x= 3

I hope you enjoyed studying the different examples of

solving quadratic equation by completing the square.

This time you will use the mathematical ideas and the
examples presented in the preceding section to answer
the next activity.

Directions: Find the solutions of each of the

following quadratic equations by completing the square.
Answer the questions that follow.
1. x2 - 2x – 3 = 0
2. s2 + 10s + 9 = 0
3. c2 + 14c = 32
4. 2m2 +8m -10 = 0
5. 4b2 -32b = -28
Questions:
a. How did you find the solutions of each equation?
1. ____________________________________
2. ____________________________________
3. ____________________________________
4. ____________________________________
5. ____________________________________

b. What mathematics concepts or principles did you apply in finding the

solutions? Explain how applied these.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
 8

Was it easy for you to find the solutions of quadratic

equations by completing the square? Did you apply the
different concepts and principles in finding the solutions of
each equations? I know you did! But how does finding
solutions of quadratic equations facilitate solving real-life
problems and making decisions? You will find these out in the
activities in the next part of this module.

Sample Problem:

Riza is 5 years older than Ana. Find their present ages if the product
of Riza’s age 4 years from now and Ana’s age 5 years ago is 51.

Solution:
Let a = Ana’s age
a + 5 = Riza’s present age
Representing by table:

Present Future(4 years) Past (5 years)

Ana a a+4 a-5
Riza a+5 a + 5 + 4 or a + 9 a + 5 – 5 or a

Equation:

(Riza’s age 4 years from now ) + (Ana’s age 5 years ago) = 51

(a + 9) + (a – 5) = 51

Solving the equation,

a2 + 4a – 45 = 51
a2 + 4a = 96
2
a + 4a + 4 = 96 + 4
a2 + 4a + 4 = 100
(a + 2 )2 = 100
√(a + 2 )2 = √100
a + 2 =±10
A = ±10 -2
a =8 or a = -12

Note: The equation a2 + 4a – 96 = 0 could have been solved by factoring

 9

Computer screens are usually measured by the length

of its diagonal. The computer set has a 60-inch
diagonal. The screen is 12 inches wider than it is high.
Find the dimensions of the screen.

Please complete your answer by giving your solution on space provided below.

Solution:
Use the Pythagorean theorem to write a model
Verbal Model
Square of + Square of = Square of
Height Width Diagonal

Labels height = x (inches)

width = x + 12 (inches)
diagonal = 60 (inches)

• Equation: _____________________ Pythagorean Theorem

• _____________________ Expand the binomial
• _____________________ Subtract 144 from both sides.
• _____________________ Divide both sides by 2
• _____________________ Add (1/2 ●12 )2 = 36 to both sides
• _____________________ Factoring
• _____________________ Find square roots
• _____________________ Solve for x
• ______________________ Simplify

Note:

Choose the positive solutions. The height of the picture is ______inches. The
width of the picture is ________ inches.

Directions:

Find out how much you already knew about this module.
Write your complete answer that you think is the best answer
to each question on a sheet of paper. Answer all items.
Show your complete solutions if necessary.
 10

1. It is a method of solving quadratic equations that involves transforming the quadratic

equation ax2+ bx + c = 0 into the form (x – h)2= k, when k≥0.
Answer:
______________________________________________________________________

2. Express x2- 4x + 4 as a square of binomial.

Answer: _______________________________________________________________

3. Write 2x2-6x =15 in the form (x-h)2+ k.

Answer:
______________________________________________________________________

4. Find the solutions of the equations x(x-2) = 5

Answer:
______________________________________________________________________

5.The length of a wall is 12 m more than its width. If the area of the wall is 50m 2, what
could be its length?
Answer:
______________________________________________________________________

Your goal in this part is to think deeper and test further

your understanding of solving quadratic equation by
completing the squares.

Answer the following.

1. You want to use completing the square in solving the quadratic equation 4x – 25
= 0. Could you use it in finding the solutions of the equations? Explain why or why
not?
 11

2. Do you agree that any quadratic equation can be solved by completing the square?
Please justify or support your answer.

3. If you are to choose between completing the square and factoring in finding the
solution of each of the following equations below, which would you choose?
Explain why. And solve the equation using your preferred method.
a. 4x2 -20x = 11
b. x2 + 7x + 12 = 0
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
 12

Module IV
SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATION BY COMPLETING THE SQUARE
Key To Correction:
A- Try This!
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. B
B- Let’s Do This!
1. (x + 2)2
2. (s - 8)2
3. (h – 7)2
4. (m + 9)2
5
5. (w - 2)2

C- You can do it! (Make it Perfect)

1. 1
2. 225
441
3. 4
1
4. 9
9
5.
64

D- Let’s Do This!
1. x = -1 or x = 3
2. s = -1 or s = -9
3. c = 2 or c = -16
4. m = 1 or m = -5
5. b = 7 or b = 1
E- You can do it!

• Equation: x2 + (x + 12)2= 60
• x2 + x2 + 24x + 144 = 3600
• 2x2 + 24x = 3456
• x2 + 12x = 1728
• x2 + 12x + 36 = 1728 + 36
• (x + 6)2 = 1764
• x + 6 = ±42
• x = ±42 - 6
 13

• x = 36 or x = -48
The height of the picture is 36 inches. The width of the picture is 48 (36 + 12=48)
inches.

F- Check Your Understanding

1. Completing the square
2. (x – 2)2
3 39
3. y = 2( x - )2 +
2 2
4. x = 1 ± √6
5. 15m

G- Reflect
1. Yes. Set the coefficient of the linear term bx equal to zero then add to 4x 2 –
25. The equation 4x2 – 25 = 0 becomes 4x2 + 0x – 25 = 0. Solve the
resulting equation by completing the square.
2. Yes.
3. (Evaluate students’ responses. They might give different answers.)

References:
Oronce, Orlando A., et al. Worktext in Mathematics for Second Year High School E-Math
, Intermediate Algebra Rex Book Store Inc. 2007.
Mathematics Grade 9 Learner’s Material, First Edition, 2014
14