The Maths-Classics project

Assignment 4

Latin

We have seen that most of the mathematical terms are a combination of a prefix and a suffix. This section contains some from a Latin derivation.

 

Find out the Latin derivation ( i.e. Give the Latin word and its meaning) of the following prefixes and suffixes:

semi-

rect-

multi-

equi-

sec- ( sect- )

tang-

circ-

-angle

-lateral

 

Draw and clearly label the following geometrical terms; try to give a literal definition (from the Latin) and show how this has been used in the mathematical meaning.

rectangle

equilateral triangle

circle

secant

sector

segment

Circles

What did arc originally mean? (use dictionary). Compare this with the French " arc en ciel " (what is this?)

What is a chord and why is it an appropriate name? (use dictionary to find out the derivation)

Draw a diagram to illustrate a circle with an arc and chord clearly shown.

Tangent: What are the literal and Mathematical meanings? Do you know a similar word for a South American dance? (why is it called this?). Draw a tangent on your circle diagram.