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

These derivatives can be used to construct a special quadratic equation — a parabola if your function lives in a 2D plane, and a cuplike shape called a paraboloid if your function is higher dimensional. —Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quadratic equation

• abrasion
• caucasian
• eurasian
• evasion
• invasion
• occasion
• persuasion
• asian
• suasion
• athanasian

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