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

With far too many Americans capable of cranking through quadratic equations but unable to calculate compound credit card interest, Ted’s answer is to replace the lot with practical math: estimation, statistics, probability, prediction, optimization, algorithms, decision analysis and game theory. —Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Hence, grown-up Chris is a nomadic misfit with two talents: sharpshooting and solving quadratic equations. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025

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

One especially influential Indian mathematician was Brahmagupta, whose algebraic techniques could handle any quadratic equation. —Peter Schumer, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023

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