Start with a quadratic in the form (ax^2 + bx + c)
If (a neq 1), factor out (a) from the (x^2) and (x) terms
Take half of the coefficient of (x)
Square that result
Add and subtract that square inside the expression
Rewrite the trinomial as a perfect square
Simplify the remaining constant terms
If solving an equation, isolate the squared term
Take the square root of both sides
Solve for (x)