Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing The origin of X in algebra. Why we say ‘how come’ for ‘why.’ Water handles.
5 snips
Dec 23, 2025 Discover the fascinating history of how X became the symbol for the unknown in algebra, tracing its roots from ancient times to Descartes. Delve into the informal phrase 'how come' and its unique grammatical quirks compared to 'why.' Plus, enjoy a quirky listener story about calling car grab handles 'water handles,' showcasing the playful side of family language. Tune in for these intriguing insights!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Words Before Symbols In Algebra
- Ancient mathematicians used words, not symbols, to represent unknowns in algebraic problems.
- Terms like Egyptian "aha" and Indian "Yavadava" show diverse rhetorical traditions before symbolic algebra.
Why X Means The Unknown
- The letter X became the universal algebraic unknown through many historical paths across cultures.
- René Descartes' notation choice in the 17th century most plausibly cemented X's modern role.
A Translation Theory For X
- One theory traces X to Arabic al‑shayun via Spanish translators substituting sounds.
- Translational sound shifts (sh → ch → x) could explain X but evidence remains contested.
