Question

If I use the method of completing the square on

3w^2-4w+1=0
How would I solve??

Answer 1

w^2-4/3 w = -1

ok, take half the b term, and square it.

((-4/3)*1/2)^2= (-2/3)^2= 4/9
add that to each side.

w^2-4/3 w + 4/9=-1+4/9
(w-2/3)^2=-5/9

(w-2/3)^2-(5/9)=0
which now you have a difference of two squares..

(w-2/3)^2-(1/3 sqrt5)^2=0
and you factor that as the difference of two squares
(w-2/3+1/3 sqrt5)(w-2/3 -1/3 sqrt 5)=0

Answer 2

bob forgot to divide the right side by 3

w^2-4/3 w = -1/3
w^2-4/3 w + 4/9= -1 + 4/9
(x-2/3)^2 = 1/9
x - 2/3 = ±1/3
x = 1 or x = 1/3

Answer 3

I agree. Duh.