To solve the problem, we need to determine the degree of the quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), where \( a \neq 0 \).
1. Understanding the Degree of an Equation:
The degree of a polynomial equation is defined as the highest power of the variable (in this case, \( x \)) with a non-zero coefficient.
2. Analyzing the Given Equation:
The given equation is:
\( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)
Here, the term with the highest exponent is \( ax^2 \), and since \( a \neq 0 \), this term exists.
3. Identifying the Degree:
The exponent of \( x \) in the leading term \( ax^2 \) is 2. Hence, the degree of the equation is 2.
Final Answer:
The degree of the quadratic equation is 2.