quadratics

[kwo-drat-iks]

noun (used with a singular verb)

the branch of algebra that deals with quadratic equations.

Origin of quadratics

First recorded in 1675–85; see origin at quadratic, -ics

quadratic

[kwo-drat-ik]

adjective

square.

Algebra. involving the square and no higher power of the unknown quantity; of the second degree.

noun

a quadratic polynomial or equation.

Origin of quadratic

First recorded in 1650–60; quadrate + -ic

Related formsquad·rat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for quadratics

Historical Examples of quadratics

I even showed her that problem in quadratics and told her I couldnt do it.
Marjorie Dean, High School Junior
Pauline Lester
In connection with the sphere some easy work in quadratics may be introduced even if the class has had only a year in algebra.
The Teaching of Geometry
David Eugene Smith
This is a useful method in the case in which φ(x) and ƒ(x) are quadratics, but scarcely ever in any other case.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 8
Various
An advantage gained was that every quadratic equation, and not some quadratics only, could be spoken of as having two roots.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6
Various
The rapidity with which he would fill the blackboard, in solving difficult problems in quadratics, was almost bewildering.
In the School-Room
John S. Hart

British Dictionary definitions for quadratics

quadratic

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

Word Origin and History for quadratics

quadratic

adj.

1650s, "square," with -ic + obsolete quadrate "a square; a group of four things" (late 14c.), from Latin quadratum, noun use of neuter adjective quadratus "square, squared," past participle of quadrare "to square, set in order, complete" (see quadrant). Quadratic equations (1660s) so called because they involve the square of x.

quadratics in Science

quadratic

[kwŏ-drăt′ĭk]

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.