Equations of the second degree are those having the general form f(x) = ax2+bx+c where a, b, and c are constants and a is nonzero. A second degree
equation is one in which the highest power to which the variable x is raised is 2. Such an equation is called a quadratic equation and the function it defines is called a quadratic function.
For mathematical applications, it is
interesting to note that quadratic functions have graphs that are called parabolas that open upward when a is positive and open downward when a is negative. The lowest point of a parabola that opens up and the highest point of
a parabola that opens down, is called the vertex of the parabola.
For chemistry and physics applications, usually only one of the two answers are plausible. For example, negative values for partial pressures or concentrations are physical impossibilities.
When entering values, scientific notation is not supported. Integers, decimals, or fractions are allowed. The right most text box which defaults to an M indicates that you want parabola and vertex information displayed. If you want an approxiamate
sketch of the parabola, you many click on GraphIt and enter the appropriate values.
