1. The problem asks whether the first step in completing the square is to double the middle term. 2. Completing the square is a method used to solve quadratic equations or rewrite quadratic expressions in the form $$ax^2 + bx + c$$. 3. The correct first step is to take half of the coefficient of the middle term (the $b$ in $ax^2 + bx + c$), not to double it. 4. Specifically, you take half of $b$, then square it to complete the square. 5. Doubling the middle term is incorrect and not part of the completing the square process. 6. Therefore, the statement "When completing the square, the first step is to double the middle term" is False.