Which term describes an equation that includes the square of a variable?

Which term describes an equation that includes the square of a variable?

• A. Cubic
• B. Quadratic
• C. Linear
• D. Exponential

Answer: (B)

The term that describes an equation including the square of a variable is "quadratic." Quadratic equations are typically in the form of \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( x \) is the variable that is squared. The key characteristic distinguishing quadratics from other types of equations is the presence of the \( x^2 \) term, which produces a parabolic graph when plotted. In contrast, cubic equations involve a variable raised to the third power (like \( x^3 \)), linear equations are first-degree polynomials without any exponent higher than one, and exponential equations have variables in the exponent (like \( 2^x \)). Understanding these definitions helps to identify the properties and characteristics of different types of equations.

The term that describes an equation including the square of a variable is "quadratic." Quadratic equations are typically in the form of ( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 ), where ( a ), ( b ), and ( c ) are constants, and ( x ) is the variable that is squared. The key characteristic distinguishing quadratics from other types of equations is the presence of the ( x^2 ) term, which produces a parabolic graph when plotted.

In contrast, cubic equations involve a variable raised to the third power (like ( x^3 )), linear equations are first-degree polynomials without any exponent higher than one, and exponential equations have variables in the exponent (like ( 2^x )). Understanding these definitions helps to identify the properties and characteristics of different types of equations.