ABSTRACT
Solving quadratic equations Quadratic equations have many applications in engineering and science; they are used in describing the trajectoryof a ball, determining the height of a throw, and in the concept of acceleration, velocity, ballistics and stopping power. In addition, the quadratic equation has been found to be widely evident in a number of natural processes; some of these include the processes by which light is reflected off a lens, water flows down a rocky stream, or even the manner in which fur, spots, or stripes develop on wild animals. When traffic policemen arrive at the scene of a road accident, they measure the length of the skid marks and assess the road conditions. They can then use a quadratic equation to calculate the speed of the vehicles and hence reconstruct exactly what happened. The U-shape of a parabola can describe the trajectories of water jets in a fountain and a bouncing ball, or be incorporated into structures like the parabolic reflectors that form the base of satellite dishes and car headlights. Quadratic functions can help plot the course of moving objects and assist in determining minimum and maximum values. Most of the objects we use every day, from cars to clocks, would not exist if someone somewhere hadn’t applied quadratic functions to their design. Solving quadratic equations is an important skill required in all aspects of engineering.
