Why is a cube called a cube?

Discussion in 'Physics & Math' started by rkasmedo, Jan 4, 2005.

  1. rkasmedo

    rkasmedo Registered Member

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    Hopefully someone out there knows a bit more than me... : - ) My high school daughter has a question that needs to be answered by tomorrow in math class: Why is a cube called a cube?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.. tks... Bob

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    rkasmedo, Jan 4, 2005
    #1

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  3. Janus58

    Janus58 Valued Senior Member

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    Cube comes from the Latin "Cubus" or Greek "Kybos" which meant a die (as in dice)
     
    Janus58, Jan 4, 2005
    #2

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  5. Nasor

    Nasor Valued Senior Member

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    I assume it's because you take the cube of the length of the side of a cube to find the volume of the cube.
     
    Nasor, Jan 4, 2005
    #3

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  7. HallsofIvy

    HallsofIvy Registered Senior Member

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    Naror: actually its the other way around. As Janus58 said, the Greeks called a die "Kybos" which had nothing to do with multiplying. It is because of the multiplying that x^3 is called "the cube of x".
     
    HallsofIvy, Jan 5, 2005
    #4

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