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quadratic formula
noun
: a formula that gives the solutions of the general quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 and that is usually written in the form x = (-b ± √(b2 − 4ac))/(2a)
Examples of quadratic formula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The quadratic formula isn’t just something that teachers use to torture algebra students.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
But solving the algebra dilemma can be more complex than solving the quadratic formula.
—Troy Closson, New York Times, 22 May 2024
Remember the quadratic formula?
—Dave Linkletter, Popular Mechanics, 28 Jan. 2022
Most high school students know how to solve quadratic equations, such as −x−3=0, using the quadratic formula.
—Quanta Magazine, 30 June 2022
That’s when students turn to the quadratic formula.
—Jonathan Corum, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2020
What algebra students currently learn Before students are presented with the quadratic formula, they’re taught a simpler method to solve certain equations.
—Jonathan Corum, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2020
The upshot is that the quadratic formula ensures that, in our town, the collective well-being of the public is maximized through the voting system.
—Eric Posner and Glen Weyl, Vox, 29 June 2018
When a referendum is held, people exchange their voice credits for votes, according to a quadratic formula: one vote costs one credit; two votes cost four credits; three votes cost nine credits; and so on.
—Eric Posner and Glen Weyl, Vox, 29 June 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1804, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of quadratic formula was
in 1804
Dictionary Entries Near quadratic formula
Cite this Entry
“Quadratic formula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quadratic%20formula. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
quadratic formula
noun
: a formula that gives the solutions of the general quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 and that is usually written in the form x equals 1/2a times (-b ± the square root of b2 - 4ac)
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