Methods of solving quadratics

Yesterday I discussed with one of my students when to use each of the three methods to solve quadratic equations: ax^2+bx+c=0…

FACTORING: might not work, easiest if a=1.

COMPLETING THE SQUARE: always works, easiest if b/a is an even integer.

QUADRATIC EQUATION: always works, always difficult.


Also, if the square root goes away in either completing the square or the quadratic equation, then you could have factored.