Quadratic equations are basic to algebra and are the math behind parabolas, projectiles, satellite dishes and the golden ratio.

A parabola is a symmetrical curve that can describe the path of a projectile, like a thrown football, or the curve of a suspension bridge. Parabolas are defined with variations on the equation y = x2.

When a question asks you to 'solve' a quadratic equation, this means that you are to find the roots of the quadratic. In other words, where does the parabola cut the x-axis?

Learn how to read and plot quadratic graphs with this BBC Bitesize Maths article. For students between the ages of 11 and 14.

In this 3-part activity, students use paper-folding and an interactive computer sketch to develop the equation of a parabola given the focus and directrix.

A teenager from Gippsland in Victoria has written an equation that has been published in a national academic journal — a major achievement for one so young.