please help me solve this problem by completing the the square

Question

can you help me solve this by completing the square! 3x^2-5x-1/4=0

Answer 1

Divide both sides by 3 to get the coefficient of x² to equal 1.

 

   x² - (5/3)x - (1/12) = 0

 

Add 1/12 to both sides.

 

   x² - (5/3)x = 1/12

 

Take half of -5/3, square that number, and then add that number to both sides.

 

  x² - (5/3)x + (25/36) = (1/12) + (25/36)

 

The left hand side can now be factored as a perfect square (hence the name "complete the square")

 

  [x - 5/6]² = 28/36

 

Take the square root of both sides and solve for x.

 

  x - 5/6 = ±(2√7)/6 

 

  x = (5 ± 2√7)/6

Answer 2

I don't understand what you mean by "completing the square"

 

EDIT:

Mark M. explained it---and I learned something new!!