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

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

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)