Why is 'x' the unknown?
4,300,805 views | Terry Moore • TED2012
Why is 'x' the symbol for an unknown? In this short and funny talk, Terry Moore gives the surprising answer.
Why is 'x' the symbol for an unknown? In this short and funny talk, Terry Moore gives the surprising answer.
This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.
About the speaker
Terry Moore is the director of the Radius Foundation, a forum for exploring and gaining insight from different worldviews.
Mathematics Stack Exchange, August 21, 2010 | Article
Why are x and y such common variables in today's equations?
Interested viewers can read alternative opinions and discussion here.
Math Overflow, July 2, 2010 | Article
Explanation: Why x, y, z are always variables
Another resource for interested viewers.
Florian Cajori | Dover Publications, 2012 | Book
A History of Mathematical Notations
A good book for interested viewers.
Frederic Rosen (Editor) | Kessinger Publishing, 2004 | Book
The Algebra of Mohammed Ben Musa
For dedicated researchers.
Seyyed Hossein Nasr | Kazi Publications, 2007 | Book
Science and Civilization in Islam
For anyone interested in the larger topic of the Islamic scientific and intellectual tradition and its influence, I recommend the works of Seyyed Hossein Nasr.
Seyyed Hossein Nasr | SUNY Press, 2006 | Book
Islamic Philosophy from Its Origin to the Present
Seyyed Hossein Nasr | Kazi Publications, 2007 | Book
Islamic Science
This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.