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To: longshadow
Why, the angle formed by the four zero-length sides of my square, of course.

Nice try, but that doesn't wash.

The angle we are talking about is defined thus--

an·gle2   Pronunciation Key  (nggl)
n.

  1. Mathematics.
    1. The figure formed by two lines diverging from a common point.

And not this one --


an·gle1   Pronunciation Key  (nggl)
intr.v. an·gled, an·gling, an·gles
  1. To fish with a hook and line.
  2. To try to get something by indirect or artful means: angle for a promotion

934 posted on 05/24/2002 4:47:27 PM PDT by AndrewC
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To: AndrewC
1. The figure formed by two lines diverging from a common point.

A good illustration of the limits of general dictionaries in defining mathematical concepts. Consider triangles instead of squares for a moment. Given:

c2 = a2 + b2 - 2abcos(X)

('X' only because I'm not sure everyone can see a theta in their browsers :^) )

What, then, is the value of the given angle 'X' when sides a, b, and c are all zero?

943 posted on 05/24/2002 8:21:40 PM PDT by general_re
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