Step 1: Divide by the lead coefficient. Your lead coefficient is 1, so you don't have to do anything for step 1.
Step 2: Put the constant term in the RHS. Your constant term is already in the RHS, so you don't have to do anything for step 2 either.
Step 3: Divide the first degree term coefficient by 2, square the result, and add that result to both sides of the equation. (-4 divided by 2 is -2. -2 squared is 4)
Step 4: Your LHS will now be a perfect square. Factor it.
Step 5: Take the square root of both sides remembering to consider both the positive and negative roots.
Step 6: Add the opposite of the constant term in the LHS to both sides and then simplify the RHS (if possible - look for perfect square factors in the radicand).
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
