** Reply to note from CoolMath2 <CoolMath2@aol.com> Fri, 16 Jan 1998 23:26:09 EST
>
> In a message dated 98-01-16 22:38:03 EST, Craigs3210@AOL.COM writes:
>
> << A while ago it was asked why a quadratic equation is called a quadratic
> when a
> cubic means 3 (correct) , a quartic means four (much better) and a quintic
> (again better) means five....there were some very interesting
> responses....would you please post some of the answers.
> thanks
> Craig >>
>
> Gee, I've always told my students that the quadratic formula was invented by
> the famous Greek mathematician, Nicholas Quadraticus.
Yes, old Nick. I had thought he was Polish, but in any case he was
certainly a four-square fellow!
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