quadratic equation

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. 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).

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Etymology

Origin of quadratic equation

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

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

Given a quadratic equation that cannot be factored, and with first add or subtract the constant term to the right sign of the equal sign.

From Textbooks ● Sep. 23, 2020

A quadratic equation is an equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0 .

From Textbooks ● May 6, 2020

This approximation allows for a more expedient mathematical approach to the calculation that avoids the need to solve for the roots of a quadratic equation:

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

The formula for finding the roots of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 is… The + sign gives us one root, while the – sign gives us the other.

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