Meaining of M (slope)

[Euphoriet]

I always thought the M stood for something like meta which was like greek for change or something.. but I am not sure that is right =-/


Can someone also refresh my memory regarding the meaning of b in the y intercept fomula?.. why did they decide to set it to be.. I think there is a reason for it.

[chroot]

http://www.mathforum.org/dr.math/faq/faq.terms.html

- Warren

[Euphoriet]

thanks.. it sucks no one really knows though... and besides.. why are they connecting it to english meanings.. wouldnt it be more efficient if it were connected to the languages where algebra started?... if its algebra wouldnt it make more sense if it was compared to arabian words?

[TALewis]

Here is another page that discusses the earliest uses of the symbol m for slope:

http://members.aol.com/jeff570/geometry.html

Scroll down to the part labeled 'Slope.'