How do you solve using the completing the square method x^2=x?

1 Answer
Feb 27, 2016

This would be a very roundabout way in this case.

Explanation:

->x^2-x=0->x(x-1)=0->x=0orx=1

Completing the square (if you really must):
x^2-x=0, so the number with x is -1
Take half of that and square it:
x^2+2*(-1/2)*x+(-1/2)^2=(x-1/2)^2, is the square we look for.

We have to add the (-1/2)^2 also to other side.

So: (x-1/2)^2=(-1/2)^2

->x-1/2=+-1/2->x=0orx=1

I prefer the first way, to be honest, but if you have to use the other method, you can still use the first to check your answer.