Completing the Square in Quadratic Expressions with Leading Coefficient Not Equal to 1: Area Model

This lesson teaches how to complete the square in a quadratic expression with a leading coefficient not equal to 1 using an area model. It explains the use of area blocks to represent polynomials and demonstrates the process of factoring polynomials. The lesson also covers common misunderstandings about factoring and provides a step-by-step guide to using area blocks to complete the square, ultimately achieving the vertex form of the expression.

How does the addition and subtraction of constants affect the overall value of the expression when completing the square?

What is vertex form, and how is it related to completing the square in a quadratic expression?