College Math CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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What is one way to prove the quadratic formula?

Using the laws of exponents
Substitution
Factoring
Completing the square

The correct answer is: Completing the square

Completing the square is a useful algebraic technique that involves manipulating a quadratic equation to have a perfect square on one side. This allows us to solve the equation for the variable using simple algebraic steps. Using laws of exponents would not be a useful way to prove the quadratic formula as the formula itself is derived from the principles of completing the square. Substitution may be a useful method in solving quadratic equations, but it does not directly relate to proving the formula. Factoring is another useful method in solving quadratic equations, but it also does not directly relate to proving the quadratic formula. Therefore, completing the square is the best way to prove the quadratic formula.