Is the b divided by 2 in completing the square related to -2/ba

Question

Currently looking to the answer to this question for extra credit. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

in -2/ba the b is Not divided by -2.

What you have here is -2 being divided

by the prodct of b and a

 

If you are speaking of the quadratic equation:

given  ax² + bx + c = 0

 

x = [-b ±√(b² - 4ac)]/2a

 

Then 

 

x = -b/2a ±[√(b² - 4ac)]/2a

 

In this case, Yes, you could say b is divided by 2

since b is divided by the product of (-1)(2)(a)

 

Or, are you completing the square of ax² + bx = something?

Note:  The quadratic equation is derived by completing

the square of ax² + bx + c = 0