Final answer:
To simplify the process of completing the square in a quadratic equation, the b value should be even, thus avoiding working with messy fractions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When solving a quadratic equation by completing the square, it is ideal if the b value is even. This is because the process of completing the square involves halving the b coefficient, which can result in a fraction if b is odd. An even value for b guarantees that, when halved, the result will be a whole number, avoiding messy fractions during the steps. So the answer, in this case, is that the b value should be even to simplify the process.