<< 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=20
Craig >>
According to my electronic dictionary, "quadratic" is derived from the word
"quadrate":
quadrate (kw=F2d=B4r=E2t=B4, -r=EEt) noun
1. a. A square or cube. b. An approximately square or cubic area, space, or
object.
2. Zoology. A bone or cartilaginous structure of the skull, joining the
upper and lower jaws in birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
adjective
1. Having four sides and four angles; square or rectangular.
2. Zoology. Designating the quadrate bone or cartilage.
verb, intransitive
quadrated, quadrating, quadrates
Archaic.
To correspond; agree.
[Middle English quadrat, something square, from Latin quadr=E2tum, from
neuter past participle of quadr=E2re, to make square, from quadrum, square.]
The American Heritage=AE Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition
copyright =A9 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed
from INSO Corporation. All rights reserved.
Lawrence G. Gilligan
Professor of Mathematics
University of Cincinnati
OMI College of Applied Science
2220 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45206
(513) 556-4868
FAX: (513) 556-4878
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