Sienna is solving the quadratic equation by completing the square.

3x2 9x – 4 = 0

3x2 9x = 4

a(x2 3x) = 4

what is the value of a?

–4
–3
3
4

I am going to show you the first steps to complete squares for the given equation: 1) Starting equation: 3x^2 + 9x -4 = 0 2) Add 4 to both sides => 3x^2 + 9x - 4 + 4 = 4 => 3x^2 + 9x = 4 3) Extract common factor 3 in the left side => 3 (x^2 + 3x). Now, compare with a(x^2 + 3x) and you get a = 3. a = 3.