quadratic

American  

[kwo-drat-ik] / kwɒˈdræt ɪk /

adjective

1. square.

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

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noun

1. a quadratic polynomial or equation.

quadratic British  

/ kwɒˈdrætɪk /

noun

1. 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

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adjective

1. of or relating to the second power

quadratic Scientific  

/ kwŏ-drăt′ĭk /

1. Relating to a mathematical expression containing a term of the second degree, such as x ² + 2.

2. ◆ A quadratic equation is an equation having the general form ax ² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.

3. ◆ The quadratic formula is x = − b ± √(b ² − 4 ac)/2 a. It is used in algebra to calculate the roots of quadratic equations.

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Other Word Forms

• quadratically adverb

Etymology

Origin of quadratic

First recorded in 1650–60; quadrate + -ic

Example Sentences

We talked about the power of polynomials and solved quadratic equations together.

From Literature

These days most students take the math course when they are high school freshmen — remember the quadratic formula? — but top-achieving students are sometimes offered the chance to take algebra a year earlier, in eighth grade.

From New York Times

Our high-school nightmares are graffitied with formulas and calculus and quadratic equations, panicked pop quizzes corrected with a harsh red pen.

From Seattle Times

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

From Scientific American

“If all I find is that the extraterrestrials know quadratic equations, I’m going to be very disappointed,” Vakoch says.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• rectangular