How do I pronounce R² as seen in chemistry formulas or maths? I can pronounce it as "R-square" but what other word is there for "square"?
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I always pronounce R2D2 the way C3PO does. – tchrist May 18 '14 at 02:15
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sorry c3po what? sry im no native english speaker – user76468 May 18 '14 at 02:18
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It’s the Lucasian equation. – tchrist May 18 '14 at 02:20
4 Answers
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In chemistry, the number is pronounced as usual. H2O2 is pronounced "H two O two".
In maths, it is different. You need to know what the function of the number is. 2 can be "two", or "squared" or other names.
anongoodnurse
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It turns out that the ratios of H₂¹⁶O and H₂¹⁸O are important for measuring certain things. I have no idea how to say those. – tchrist May 18 '14 at 03:39
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In mathematics, a common short form of "R to the power of two" is "R to the two" (but not "R to two"). This expression is used for general powers (x^7, 2^6, e^x, etc.), whereas for powers 2 and 3 one usually uses "squared" and "cubed".
painfulenglish
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In this case, if 2 is above R, then it can be termed as:
Superior character or Superscript
Or if the 2 is below R, then it can be termed as :
Inferior character or Subscript.
Invoker
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2The OP asked how it's pronounced, not what the technical term for it is. – Erik Kowal May 18 '14 at 04:30
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@ErikKowal read his last sentence... "I can pronounce as R square but what other word for square?" – Invoker May 18 '14 at 04:43