Newton's Diverging Parabolas

Cartesian equation:
ay
2
= x(x
2
- 2bx + c), a > 0


Newton's classification of cubic curves appears in Curves by Sir
Isaac Newton in Lexicon Technicum by John Harris published in London in 1710. In
this classification of cubics, Newton gives four classes of equation. The third class of
equations is the one given above which Newton divides into five species. Of this third
case Newton says:
In the third Case the Equation was yy = ax
3
+ bxx + cx + d and defines a Parabola
whose Legs diverge from one another, and run out infinitely contrary ways.
The case divides into five species and Newton gives a typical graph for each species.
The five types depend on the roots of the cubic in x on the right hand side of the
equation.
(i) All the roots are real and unequal : then the Figure is a diverging Parabola of the
Form of a Bell, with an Oval at its vertex .
This is the case for the graph drawn above.
(ii) Two of the roots are equal : a Parabola will be formed, either Nodated by
touching an Oval, or Punctate, by having the Oval infinitely small .
(iii) The three roots are equal : this is the Neilian Parabola, commonly called Semi-
cubical .
(iv) Only one real root : If two of the roots are impossible, there will be a Pure
Parabola of a Bell-like Form .
http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Curves/Newtons.html

Newton's Diverging Parabolas
Curves with Cartesian equation



with . The above equation represents the third class of Newton's
classification of Cubic Curves, which Newton divided into five species depending on
the Roots of the cubic in on the right-hand side of the equation. Newton described
these cases as having the following characteristics:
1. ``All the Roots are Real and unequal. Then the Figure is a diverging Parabola
of the Form of a Bell, with an Oval at its Vertex.
2. Two of the Roots are equal. A Parabola will be formed, either Nodated by
touching an Oval, or Punctate, by having the Oval infinitely small.
3. The three Roots are equal. This is the Neilian Parabola, commonly
called Semi-cubical.
4. Only one Real Root. If two of the Roots are impossible, there will be a
Pure Parabola of a Bell-like Form''
(MacTutor Archive).

References
MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive. ``Newton's Diverging Parabolas.'' http://www-groups.dcs.st-
and.ac.uk/~history/Curves/Newtons.html.
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/crcmath/math/math/n/n081.htm

Newton's Diverging
Parabolas
Curves with Cartesian equation

with . The above equation represents the
third class of Newton's classification of cubic
curves, which Newton divided into five
species depending on the roots of the cubic
in on the right-hand side of the equation.
Newton described these cases as having the
following characteristics:
1. "All the roots are real and unequal. Then
the Figure is a diverging Parabola of the
form of a Bell, with an Oval at its Vertex.
2. Two of the roots are equal. A parabola will
be formed, either Nodated by touching an
Oval, or Punctate, by having the Oval
infinitely small.
3. The three roots are equal. This is
the semicubical parabola.
4. Only one real root. If two of the roots are
impossible, there will be a Pure parabola of a
Bell-like Form"
(MacTutor Archive).
REFERENCES:
MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive.
"Newton's Diverging Parabolas." http://www-
groups.dcs.st-
and.ac.uk/~history/Curves/Newtons.html.
Referenced on Wolfram|Alpha: Newton's
Diverging Parabolas
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/NewtonsDivergingParabolas.html

Newton's Diverging Parabolas

Cartesian equation: ay = x(x - 2bx +c), a > 0

Newton's classification of cubic curves appears in Curves by Sir
Isaac Newton in Lexicon Technicum by John Harris published in London in 1710. In
this classification of cubics, Newton gives four classes of equation. The third class of
equations is the one given above which Newton divides into five species. Of this third
case Newton says:
In the third Case the Equation was yy = ax + bxx +cx +d; and defines a
Parabola whose Legs diverge from one another, and run out infinitely contrary ways.
The case divides into five species and Newton gives a typical graph for each species.
The five types depend on the roots of the cubic in x on the right hand side of the
equation.
(i) All the roots are real and unequal : then the Figure is a diverging Parabola of the
Form of a Bell, with an Oval at its vertex .
This is the case for the graph drawn above.
(ii) Two of the roots are equal : a Parabola will be formed, either Nodated by
touching an Oval, or Punctate, by having the Oval infinitely small .
(iii) The three roots are equal : this is the Neilian Parabola, commonly called Semi-
cubical .
(iv) Only one real root : If two of the roots are impossible, there will be a Pure
Parabola of a Bell-like Form .
http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/Java/Curves/Newtons.html