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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
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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 22 Nov. 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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