How are quadratic equations used in real life?

Quadratics are used all the time from things as simple as calculating the area of building or home to things as advanced as computer science where things like efficiency and speed of different algorithms need to be calculated and compared.

In high school these concepts can be taught in a very abstract way but as you move into a profession you will see the value in them and in today's day and age even if you never use them for work it's still valuable to have an understanding of how they work.