Geometric & Algebraic Method
The coefficient of $x^2$ is not 1. We must divide the whole equation by what?
Write the new simplified equation:
Isolate the $x$ terms (move constant to RHS):
We need to add a "magic number" to complete the shape.
Formula: $(\frac{\text{coeff of } x}{2})^2$
Write as a perfect square: $(x + p)^2 = \text{New Total}$
Square root both sides and rearrange for $x$:
Calculate final values (2 decimal places):
Visualizing algebraic structures builds deep conceptual understanding.
"Completing the square is all about geometry! We are physically rearranging the area to make a square."