1. Factor the leading coefficient out of the first two terms

2. Complete the square by adding and subtracting the "magic number"

(the square of half the coefficient of )

3. Move the constant  outside the parentheses. Remember to multiply it by a.

4. Factor the perfect square and add the remaining terms.

1. Factor the leading coefficient out of the first two terms

2. Complete the square by adding and subtracting the "magic number"

(the square of half the coefficient of x)

3. Move the constant  outside the parentheses. Remember to multiply it by 3.

4. Factor the perfect square and add the remaining terms.