Question

The first two steps in the derivation of the quadratic formula by completing the square are shown below. Which answer choice shows the correct next step?

1) step 3: Simplify the equation
2) step 3: Divide both sides of the equation by a
3) step 3: Take the square root of both sides of the equation
4) step 3: Add c to both sides of the equation

Answer 1

The correct next step in the derivation of the quadratic formula by completing the square is step 3: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct next step in the derivation of the quadratic formula by completing the square is step 3: Take the square root of both sides of the equation. Completing the square involves manipulating the equation to write it as a perfect square, then taking the square root to isolate the variable. By taking the square root, we can solve for the unknown value.