How to complete the square when a is greater than 1?

When a is greater then 1 ...

example:

2x^2 + 6x + 3 = 0 ... x^2 has to have a coefficient of 1 in order to complete the square. So, in this case, we divide everything by 2.

x^2 + 3x + 3/2 = 0 ... now u move the constant over

x^2 + 3x = - 3/2 ... and continue as usual.

just remember, u have to divide by the coefficient of x^2 before moving the constant over.