quadratic

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.

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"quadratic." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"quadratic." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-quadrati.html

"quadratic." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-quadrati.html

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quadratic

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.

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"quadratic." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"quadratic." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-quadratic.html

"quadratic." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-quadratic.html

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quadratic

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.

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T. F. HOAD. "quadratic." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "quadratic." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-quadratic.html

T. F. HOAD. "quadratic." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-quadratic.html

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quadratic

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"quadratic." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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