Why is the variable for slope called m?

Question

Just a question I had on my mind. :)

Answer 1

There are many theories as to why 'm' is used, but no definite answer. You can find many of the theories at the website below, including:

- 'm' stands for 'modulus of slope', which was the original term
- 'm' is from the French word monter, 'to climb'
- 'm' is for 'move', and 'b' is for 'begin'

Hope this helps ;)

Answer 2

probably due to some latin term that the word slope derives from which probably starts with m, that's just a guess.

It is not known why the letter m was chosen for slope; the choice may have been arbitrary. John Conway has suggested m could stand for "modulus of slope." One high school algebra textbook says the reason for m is unknown, but remarks that it is interesting that the French word for "to climb" is monter. However, there is no evidence to make any such connection. Descartes, who was French, did not use m. In _Mathematical Circles Revisited_ (1971) mathematics historian Howard W. Eves suggests "it just happened."

Here is the source of the above information

It comes from this link which gives the etymology of many Math Terms

Answer 3

Why Is Slope Called M

Answer 4

mmmm, I don't know either..........