Why Is a Cubic Polynomial Called 'Third Degree'?

[Mathsig]

TL;DR Summary

Why is third degree called cubic?

Why is a third degree polynomial called a cubic polynomial? I just don’t see the connection between 3 and a cube.

 

[PeroK]

A cube is a three dimensional object. The volume of a cube is $l^3$, where $l$ is the side length. That's cubic formula, in both senses.

 

[russ_watters]

It's the same reason the second degree is square.

 

[Mark44]

Why is a third degree polynomial called a cubic polynomial?

Further, a second degree polynomial is called a quadratic polynomial because the area of a square is $l^2$. The Latin word quadratus means "square."

Other types of polynomials have names such as quartic (fourth degree) and quintic (fifth degree).