In reality the quadratic equation as many functions in the scientific
and mathematical world. The equation is used to find shapes, circles,
ellipses, parabolas, and more. The quadratic formula looks a little
menacing, however it is not .
The quadratic equation is different from the formula and looks like
this:
and we will be discussing the quadratic equation.
The quadratic equation is used to find the curve on a Cartesian grid.
It is primarily used to find the curve that objects take when they
fly through the air. For example a softball, tennis ball, football,
baseball, soccer ball, basketball, etc. It also used to design any
object that has curves and any specific curved shape needed for a
project. The military uses the quadratic equation when they want to
predict where artillery shells hit the earth or target when fired
from cannons. So if your goal is to go into the military and work
with artillery or tanks, you will be using the quadratic equation
on a daily basis.
Other uses of the quadratic equation include explaining how planets
in our solar system revolve around the sun. Our planets were initially
tracked by early scientists, who did not have the advantage of computers,
and they used the quadratic equation to determine how planets in our
solar system do not have circular orbits - they have elliptical orbits.
Newton also based his laws of motion on the quadratic equation by
defining the acceleration of objects and forces that act upon them.
He based his laws on objects falling and moving, taking into consideration
the objects are on a spinning object (earth), which is orbiting the
our sun. Newton was not aware of the forces that act on our solar
system from the rotation of the Milky Way Galaxy. Do you think this
would have mad a difference in his calculations? No the answer would
still be the same; however it would have taken him longer to calculate.
The quadratic equation is used by car makers to determine how much
and what type of brakes are needed to stop a car going at various
speeds, while it is still on the drawing boards. This and other design
functions which use the quadratic equation are part of the design
steps of a new car, truck, motorcycle, and other types of automobiles.
When a police officer investigates a car accident scene, he/she uses
the quadratic equation in their efforts to determine what velocities
the cars when traveling when the collision occurred. Also, who was
at fault and why the vehicles were damaged the way they were. These
calculations are also used by car designers to develop an even safer
care for occupants during future collisions.
The quadratic equation is used in the design of almost every product
in stores today. The equation is used to determine how safe products
are and the life expectancy of products, such as when they can expect
to quit working. Designers can then see what needs to be changed in
the product to make it last longer.
Another area that the quadratic equation is helpful is in the design
of sound systems, such as: speakers and electronic circuits for vibrating
the speakers. Speakers send out sound waves and these sound waves
vibrate or resonate, sometimes causing unwanted cancellations of sound
waves. Designers use this equation to redesign the circuits and speakers
so sound waves reinforce each other and do not cancel each other out
for the best sound quality.
The quadratic equation has many practical applications in the world
beyond school. You may not think you need to know it now; however
the higher paying jobs go to those who can use the quadratic equation
to design safe and useful products for people.