Mathematics | Meaning, Types & Examples

Mathematics Definition, Origin & History

In algebra, a quadratic equation (from the Latin quadratus for "square") is any equation that can be rearranged in standard form as a x 2 b x c = 0 {displaystyle ax^{2} bx c=0} ax^{2} bx c=0 where x represents an unknown, and a, b, and c represent known numbers, where a ≠ 0. If a = 0, then the equation is linear, not quadratic, as there is no a x 2 {displaystyle ax^{2}} ax^2 term. | Mathematics