Online Math Dictionary: Q

Easy to understand math definitions for K-Algebra mathematics
Just scroll down or click on the word you want and I'll scroll down for you!
 

quadrant quadratic equation quadratic formula
quadratic polynomial quadrilateral quotient

 

Quadrant
When working with the Cartesian plane (also called the rectangular coordinate system), aquadrant is one of the four different regions on the plane.  They are usually labeled with Roman numerals, starting with I and going counter-clockwise in order.  As you can see on the picture on the right, there are four quadrants on the Cartesian plane.  The quadrants are separated by the x and y axes.

quadrants on the Cartesian plane

red line

Quadratic Equation
A quadratic equation is of the form

quadratic equation: ax^2+bx+c=0  where a, b and c are numbers.  
In this example:
quadratic equation: x^2-6x+4=0   is really   quadratic equation: 1x^2-6x+4=0
where a = 1, b = -6 and c = 4

It's the x squared term that makes the equation quadratic.  Without that, it would just be a linear equation.  It is an equation since is it set equal to 0.

For more info on solving quadratic equations, check out my  lessons onQuadratics Solving Overview.   Here are the full  lessons: Solving Quadratics by Factoring, Solving Quadratics by Using the Square Root, Solving Quadratics with the Quadratic Formula.