quadratic equation

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).

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadratic equation¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

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

The sixth graders at Khan Lab School, an independent school with an elementary campus in Palo Alto, Calif., were working on quadratic equations, graphing functions, Venn diagrams.

From New York Times

He was a natural tutor given his easygoing nature, not to mention his ability to dispense pointers on quadratic equations to wide-eyed students.

From Los Angeles Times