Start with the quadratic equation in standard form: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
If a ≠ 1, divide every term by a
Move the constant term to the other side of the equation
Take half of the x-coefficient
Square that value
Add the squared value to both sides of the equation
Rewrite the left side as a perfect square trinomial
Factor the perfect square trinomial into binomial form
Take the square root of both sides
Solve for x
Simplify the answers