Use Choices A–D to answer each question. A. 3x² - 17x - 6 = 0 B. (2x + 5)² = 7 C. x² + x = 12 D. (3x - 1)(x - 7) = 0 Only one of the equations does not require Step 1 of the method for completing the square described in this section. Which one is it? Solve it.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the method of completing the square. The first step usually involves making the coefficient of \(x^2\) equal to 1 by dividing the entire equation by that coefficient if it is not already 1.
2. Step 2: Examine each equation to see if the coefficient of \(x^2\) is 1. For equation A: \$3x^2 - 17x - 6 = 0\(, the coefficient of \)x^2$ is 3, so Step 1 is required.
3. Step 3: For equation B: \((2x + 5)^2 = 7\), the equation is already a perfect square on the left side, so the coefficient of \(x^2\) is effectively 1 after expansion, and Step 1 is not needed.
4. Step 4: For equation C: \(x^2 + x = 12\), the coefficient of \(x^2\) is 1, so Step 1 is not needed here either.
5. Step 5: For equation D: \((3x - 1)(x - 7) = 0\), this is a factored form, not a quadratic in standard form, so completing the square is not the first method to use; instead, solve by setting each factor equal to zero.

Key Concepts

Completing the Square Method

Completing the square is a technique used to solve quadratic equations by transforming them into a perfect square trinomial. This involves isolating the constant term, dividing the coefficient of x by 2, squaring it, and adding it to both sides. It simplifies solving quadratics that are not easily factorable.

Identifying When Completing the Square is Needed

Not all quadratic equations require completing the square. If the equation is already factored or can be solved by simple algebraic manipulation, the initial step of isolating the quadratic and linear terms (Step 1) may be unnecessary. Recognizing these cases saves time and effort.

Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

Factoring involves expressing a quadratic equation as a product of binomials set to zero. If the quadratic is already factored, like (3x - 1)(x - 7) = 0, you can directly find the roots by setting each factor equal to zero, bypassing the need for completing the square.