quadratic

quadratic mathematical expression of the second degree in one or more unknowns (see polynomial ). The general quadratic in one unknown has the form ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants and x is the variable. A quadratic equation ax² + bx + c =0 always has two roots , not necessarily distinct; these may be real or complex (see number ). The quadratic formula gives the roots of any quadratic equation in terms of its coefficients a, b, and c. The expression b² -4 ac is called the discriminant and vanishes when the two roots coincide. If a, b, and c are real and the discriminant is not less than zero, the roots are real.

quadratic square; (math.) involving the second and no higher power of an unknown or variable. XVII. — F. quadratique or modL. quadrāticus. quadrature squaring. XVI. — F. or L.

quad·rat·ic / kwäˈdratik/ • adj. Math. involving the second and no higher power of an unknown quantity or variable: a quadratic equation. • n. a quadratic equation.