Google Turns Quadratic Equations Into Mathematical Fun

While the Google Doodle marks the start of the US and UK academic year in September, it has now been rolled out to other countries, including India. Clicking on the doodle directs users to Google’s Gemini AI, which takes some time to explain the application of the quadratic equation to the game of basketball.

What is a quadratic equation?

While the equation may seem like another confusing algebraic formula, it is used to calculate real-world motion, including the arc of a basketball shot.

Today’s Google logo depicts a fun, playful balloon font with an orange-blue gradient; One of the ‘o’s acts like a basketball moving on a parabola curve. The general form of the equation and its solution surround it.

Formula review

y = ax² + bx + c

This is the quadratic function whose graph forms a parabola.

a, b, c are constants, where a ≠ 0

x is variable.

y = 0

Set y = 0 to find the value of x (roots or zeros)

So ax² + bx + c = 0

b² – 4ac

This is the discriminant that tells you the nature of the roots and how many real solutions the quadratic equation has.

If b² – 4ac > o, then there are two real, distinct roots, and the parabola intersects the x-axis twice, forming the curve of a basketball shot.

x = (-b±√(b²-4ac))/(2a)

This is the quadratic formula for finding solutions.

Google’s Doodle shows how the equation can be applied to real-life scenarios in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, sports and business.

After clicking on the doodle, users can enter numerical values ​​for speed, time, and height to see how the ball’s path changes based on different variables.

Google reminds us that learning is not limited to the classroom with this interactive doodle. Connecting textbook equations to real-life examples can help students better understand concepts and retain information more efficiently.

Ancient Roots

The quadratic equation first appeared in ancient Babylon around 2000 BC, where geometric methods were used to solve quadratic problems. Similar techniques were used to measure length and area in Ancient Greece and Egypt.

However, the first systematic method for solving quadratic equations dates back to 628 AD in India. Mathematicians like Brahmagupta created the first general solution to such problems.

The article was written by Tejasree Kallakrinda, intern at Deccan Chronicle.