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A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt. Bacon.

Having the nature of a problem; not shown in fact; questionable; uncertain; unsettled; doubtful. -- Prob`lem*at"ic*al*ly, adv. Diligent inquiries into remote and problematical guilt leave a gate wide open to . . . informers. Swift.

One who proposes problems. [R.] Evelyn.

To propose problems. [R.] "Hear him problematize." B. Jonson.

ng a movable horizon or cursor; -- formerly much used in solving some common astronomical problems.

The resolving of problems by reducing the conditions that are in them to equations.

A solution, the result of a mathematical operation; as, the answer to a problem.

itrary function (Math.), a quantity of function that is introduced into the solution of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will be given, so that the solution may be made to meet special requirements. -- Arbitrary quantity (Math.), one to which any value can be assigned at pleasure.

nes, trigonometry. -- Political arithmetic, the application of the science of numbers to problems in civil government, political economy, and social science. -- Universal arithmetic, the name given by Sir Isaac Newton to algebra.

Asserting that a thing is; -- opposed to problematical and apodeictical.

To set to work upon, as upon a task or problem, or some object of labor or investigation.

ted black, or any black surface on which writing, drawing, or the working of mathematical problems can be done with chalk or crayons. It is much used in schools.

ons by using the ratio of certain indefinitely small quantities called differentials. The problems are primarily of this form: to find how the change in some variable quantity alters at each instant the value of a quantity dependent upon it. -- Exponential calculus, that part of algebra which treats of exponents. --…

in pumps. See in the Vocabulary. -- Chain rule (Arith.), a theorem for solving numerical problems by composition of ratios, or compound proportion, by which, when several ratios of equality are given, the consequent of each being the same as the antecedent of the next, the relation between the first antecedent and the…

A curve invented by Diocles, for the purpose of solving two celebrated problems of the higher geometry; viz., to trisect a plane angle, and to construct two geometrical means between two given straight lines.

ession, the value of the coefficient being afterwards determined by the conditions of the problem.

dealing with (a person or problem) directly; taking the bull by the horns. Syn. -- braving, coping with, grappling, tackling. [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

Not clear to the understanding; not easily The dark problems of existence. Shairp. What may seem dark at the first, will afterward be found more plain. Hooker. What's your dark meaning, mouse, of this light word Shak.

The quantities or relations which are assumed to be given in any problem. Datum line (Surv.), the horizontal or base line, from which the heights of points are reckoned or measured, as in the plan of a railway, etc.

-- Descriptive geometry, that branch of geometry. which treats of the graphic solution of problems involving three dimensions, by means of projections upon auxiliary planes. Davies & Peck (Math. Dict. ) -- De*scrip"tive*ly, adv. -- De*scrip"tive*ness, n.