quadratic equation

American

noun

Mathematics.

an equation containing a single variable of degree 2. Its general form is ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where x is the variable and a, b, and c are constants (a ≠ 0).

Etymology

Origin of quadratic equation

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

quadratic equation

One especially influential Indian mathematician was Brahmagupta, whose algebraic techniques could handle any quadratic equation.

From Scientific American ● Aug. 10, 2023

In this chapter, we will learn three other methods to use in case a quadratic equation cannot be factored.

From Textbooks ● May 6, 2020

In the next example, when we factor the quadratic equation we will get three factors.

From Textbooks ● May 6, 2020

The steps to take to use the Square Root Property to solve a quadratic equation are listed here.

From Textbooks ● May 6, 2020

The quadratic formula has been known for centuries; the ninth-century mathematician al-Khowarizmi knew how to solve almost every quadratic equation, though he didn’t seem to consider negative numbers as roots.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023