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quadratic equation

American

noun

Mathematics.

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).

Etymology

Origin of quadratic equation

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Scientific American • Aug. 10, 2023

Write the quadratic equation in standard form, ax2 + bx + c = 0.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

The solution or roots for any quadratic equation can be calculated using the following formula:

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

The quadratic formula has been known for centuries; the ninth-century mathematician al-Khowarizmi knew how to solve almost every quadratic equation, though he didn’t seem to consider negative numbers as roots.

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023