How did the quadratic equation and formula get its names? If “quad” means 4, how does this number apply to the equation? Was “Quad” once used to mean 2?
‘Quad’ as in ‘square’ as in squared, simlairly cubic equations start with and x cubed term.
And if you want to see the quadratic formula or solve quadratics, here’s a link:
http://www.1728.com/quadratc.htm
Here’s a link for solving cubic equations
http://www.1728.com/cubic.htm
And relevant to the OP, a 4th power equation is called a “quartic” (since you were wondering when that ‘4’ would enter the picture).
And yes there’s a calculator for those too:
http://www.1728.com/quartic.htm
As a side question, I’d also like to know the etymology of “etiology” as it relates to quadratic equations.