Melinda derives the quadratic formula from the following equation, and her first four steps are shown below. ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a + 0
Melinda's steps:
Step 1: r? +
bx
+
= 0
a
Step 2: x2 + bx =
c
a
a
Step 3: x2 +
+
b2
2a
a
a
Step 4:
+
с
*
)
2a
Are Melinda's first four steps correct?
• If her steps are correct, explain how you know.
• If her steps are incorrect, name the mistake(s) she made and explain how you know.
Respond in the space provided.