quadratic equation

noun

: any equation containing one term in which the unknown is squared and no term in which it is raised to a higher power
solve for x in the quadratic equation x2 + 4x + 4 = 0

Examples of quadratic equation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unlikely Intersections and Entropy Bagels There are infinitely many real quadratic equations that, when iterated from zero, are known to end up producing a repeating cycle of numbers. Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 Introduction No one had anticipated how rich the world of quadratic equations could be. Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 One especially influential Indian mathematician was Brahmagupta, whose algebraic techniques could handle any quadratic equation. Peter Schumer, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023 The secret to solving this slightly harder quadratic equation was to slide it over and turn it into an easier quadratic equation by eliminating the interfering x term. Patrick Honner, Quanta Magazine, 24 Mar. 2023 First, this is a quadratic equation. Quanta Magazine, 22 July 2021 Remember your quadratic equations from school? Alastair Banks, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023 Really, the only way to get a solution is with the quadratic equation. Rhett Allain, Wired, 13 Aug. 2021 Christian Hansen for The New York Times The quadratic equation has frustrated math students for millenniums. Jonathan Corum, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quadratic equation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quadratic equation was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near quadratic equation

Cite this Entry

“Quadratic equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quadratic%20equation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

quadratic equation

noun
: an equation containing one term in which the unknown is squared and no term in which it is raised to a power higher than 2
solve for x in the quadratic equation x2 − 4x + 4 = 0
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