What is a first degree (linear) equation?

What is a second degree (Quadratic) equation?

What is a third degree (cubic) equation?

 

        In a first degree (linear) equation,

        the unknown is x or x^1.

 

        In a second degree (Square) equation*,

        the unknown is x squared or x^2.

 

        In a third degree (cubic) equation,

        the unknown is x cubed or x^3.

 

Math teachers call "Square" equations "Quadratic" equations.  This confuses the students and makes algebra more difficult to learn because "Quad" means "Four" as in quadrangle, quadruplet, quadrant.  Mathematicians and educators have never wanted or tried to make mathematics as simple and understandable as possible.  Below is an example:

 

Who was first to solve cubic equations?

When did this happen?

Who stole and published the solution?

Why did this change the progress of science forever?

 

In 1535, the Italian mathematician Niccolo Tartaglia discovered a method for solving cubic equations.  Tartaglia kept his solution a secret in order to parade his ability to solve problems that others could not solve.  Tartaglia, like the educators of today, wanted to raise his reputation and gain a feeling of power by not fully sharing his knowledge with others who wanted to learn.

 

A mathematician named Geronimo Cardano wheedled the cubic equation solution out of Tartaglia and then published it.  Cardano got the credit for the discovery and Tartaglia was furious, but no one cared.

 

An important precedent was set:  Scientific discoveries do not belong to the discoverer but to the world.  Therefore... The credit for a discovery goes to the first person to publish the discovery.  This is called the "first publication" rule and it promotes the rapid spread of new knowledge.

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Problem 55...   The Oldest Profession

 

The year was 1543.  For ten thousand years, one profession had enabled certain people to have power over others and live in comparative luxury without toiling in the fields like the common people.  In 1543, this profession had absolute power.  ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTLY.   This lucrative profession has always needed to prevent competition.  What is the Oldest Profession?

 

Think before answering.

I prey for 5 correct answers.

Email:   conklin@cfl.rr.com