answersLogoWhite

0

The term surd traces back to al-Khwārizmī, who referred to rational and Irrational Numbers as audible and inaudible, respectively. This later led to the Arabic word "أصم‎" (asamm, meaning "deaf" or "dumb") for irrational number being translated into Latin as "surdus" (meaning "deaf" or "mute").

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

JudyJudy
Simplicity is my specialty.
Chat with Judy
EzraEzra
Faith is not about having all the answers, but learning to ask the right questions.
Chat with Ezra
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross
More answers

Only some - a minority - of irrational numbers are called surds. Most of them, such as pi, phi, e are not surds.

Irrational numbers are not rational. They were thought to be "roots that were deaf to reason". The Latin word surdus, (= deaf) led to the term surd.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why was an irrational number called a 'surd' as opposed to an 'irrat'?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Algebra