Lump solutions are analytical rational function solutions localized in all directions in space. We analyze a class of lump solutions, generated from quadratic functions, to nonlinear partial differential equations. The basis of success is the Hirota bilinear formulation and the primary object is the class of positive multivariate quadratic functions. A complete determination of quadratic functions positive in space and time is given, and positive quadratic functions are characterized as sums of squares of linear functions. Necessary and sufficient conditions for positive quadratic functions to solve Hirota bilinear equations are presented, and such polynomial solutions yield lump solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations under the dependent variable transformations u=2(ln f)_x and u=2(ln f)_{xx}, where x is one spatial variable. Applications are made for a few generalized KP and BKP equations.