quadratic equation
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
An equation in which the highest power of the variable is two, typically written in the form ax squared plus bx plus c equals zero.
Usage notes
The quadratic formula always works, even when a quadratic doesn't factorise neatly.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "She used the quadratic formula to solve the _____ and find both possible values of x."
Answer: quadratic equation
In your own words, what does "quadratic equation" mean?
An equation in which the highest power of the variable is two, typically written in the form ax squared plus bx plus c equals zero.
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