3rd degree polynomial is called a cubic

[tony873004]

A 3rd degree polynomial is called a cubic, and a 2nd degree is a quadratic. But quad implies 4. Why is a 2nd degree called quadratic?

 

[[Quadratic]]

The word comes from the Latin word quadratus, meaning "square". Quadratic functions deal with calculating the area of squares.

 

[tony873004]

Thank you! You didn't make up that screen name just to answer my question, did you :)

 

[[Quadratic]]

You didn't make up that screen name just to answer my question, did you :)

LOL no, I just keep to myself mostly. I couldn't resist answering your question though