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quadratic

[ kwo-drat-ik ]
/ kwɒˈdræt ɪk /
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adjective
Algebra. involving the square and no higher power of the unknown quantity; of the second degree.
noun
a quadratic polynomial or equation.
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Origin of quadratic

First recorded in 1650–60; quadrate + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM quadratic

quad·rat·i·cal·ly, adverb
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How to use quadratic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for quadratic

quadratic
/ (kwɒˈdrætɪk) maths /

noun
Also called: quadratic equation an equation containing one or more terms in which the variable is raised to the power of two, but no terms in which it is raised to a higher power
adjective
of or relating to the second power
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for quadratic

quadratic
[ kwŏ-drătĭk ]

Relating to a mathematical expression containing a term of the second degree, such as x2 + 2.♦ A quadratic equation is an equation having the general form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.♦ The quadratic formula is x = -b ± √(b2 - 4ac)/2a. It is used in algebra to calculate the roots of quadratic equations.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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