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Kooyeen Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
x to the two/second -- Any natives know math?
Hi,
if this is not in the right place, move it, but...
I have this problem: could somebody tell me how to read the second and third power of a number?
I just found out that maybe those two are exceptions, because you don't read them like the other powers. Looks like I can't say "x to the two/second" or "x to the three/third", and I have to say "x squared/cubed". Is this true?
I just don't understand why if I can say "x to the four/fourth", I can't say "x to the two/three/second/third".
What's even more strange is that it seems that although "x to the second/third/two/three" is not idiomatic, "10 to the two/three/second/third" is ok...
Is there anyone who knows how to read those idiomatically in English? Thanks in advance
if this is not in the right place, move it, but...
I have this problem: could somebody tell me how to read the second and third power of a number?
I just found out that maybe those two are exceptions, because you don't read them like the other powers. Looks like I can't say "x to the two/second" or "x to the three/third", and I have to say "x squared/cubed". Is this true?
I just don't understand why if I can say "x to the four/fourth", I can't say "x to the two/three/second/third".
What's even more strange is that it seems that although "x to the second/third/two/three" is not idiomatic, "10 to the two/three/second/third" is ok...
Is there anyone who knows how to read those idiomatically in English? Thanks in advance
Top answer
Hi, As you note, we normally say 'x squared' and 'x cubed'. But if you want to say 'x to the third (power)', the math police will not fine you. Clive
- Hi, As you note, we normally say 'x squared' and 'x cubed'.
- But if you want to say 'x to the third (power)', the math police will not fine you.
- Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi,
As you note, we normally say 'x squared' and 'x cubed'. But if you want to say 'x to the third (power)', the math police will not fine you.
As you note, we normally say 'x squared' and 'x cubed'. But if you want to say 'x to the third (power)', the math police will not fine you.
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Well, I'm not afraid of the math police...
Anyway, I'd better say "squared" and "cubed" most times... I watched two videos to check what the professors said, and they always said "x squared", "y cubed", etc.
Ok then, thanks
Anyway, I'd better say "squared" and "cubed" most times... I watched two videos to check what the professors said, and they always said "x squared", "y cubed", etc.
Ok then, thanks
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