Re: [HM] Even the greatest Greek mathematicians couldn't do this!

John F Harper (John.Harper@vuw.ac.nz)
Wed, 2 Dec 1998 14:45:35 +1300 (NZD)

On Tue, 1 Dec 1998, Samuel S. Kutler wrote:

> Why couldn't even the greatest ancient Greek mathematicians factor the
> Trojan monarch?

Because he wasn't for sale.

(One meaning of the verb "factor" is of course to deal with goods, money
etc as a factor, who in this context is a mercantile agent or commission
merchant)

John Harper, School of Mathematical and Computing Sciences,
Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
e-mail john.harper@vuw.ac.nz phone (+64)(4)471 5341 fax (+64)(4)495 5045