Quadratic equation

In mathematics, a quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of the second degree. The generalized form is

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Polynomial - Equation - Degree

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: ax^2+bx+c=0mbox{ where }a e 0.

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The letters a, b and c are called coefficients: a is the coefficient of x2, b is the coefficient of x, and c is the constant coefficient, also called the free term.

Related Topics:
Coefficient - Constant

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A quadratic equation with real or complex coefficients has two complex roots (i.e., solutions for x when y = 0) usually denoted as x_1 and x_2, although the two roots may be equal. These roots can be computed using the quadratic formula.

Related Topics:
Real - Complex - Roots

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Higher-degree equations may be quadratic in form, such as:

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: 2x^6+3x^3+5=0.

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Note that the highest exponent is twice the value of the exponent of the middle term. This equation may be resolved directly or with a simple substitution, using the methods that are available for the quadratic, such as factoring (also called factorising), the quadratic formula, or completing the square.

Related Topics:
Factoring - Completing the square

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