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Home Q & A Board Science-Related Homework Help High School Level Science
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fireman fireman
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12 years ago
I know what it is and how to solve for p, q, 2pq, etc etc. However, why did they use the letters p and q I mean come on why not R and D or A and B....well you get the point if anyone knows that's great you're automatically the best answer!!! Thanks!
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#1
12 years ago
As with most mathematical symbols, the answer is history. P and q were used as symbols for discrete variables (discrete means counting type numbers - you can't have 1/2 an individual) by the first teachers of formal classes in set theory and statistics. Mathematicians are partial to Greek letters and would probably have used those if book publishers hadn't objected on the basis of costs.
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