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- 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.
Why Is a Cubic Polynomial Called 'Third Degree'?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter Mathsig
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- Cube Cubic Degree Polynomial
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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.
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It's the same reason the second degree is square.
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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."Mathsig said:
Other types of polynomials have names such as quartic (fourth degree) and quintic (fifth degree).