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Dec 7, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—F

False

(The Rule of). A method of solving certain mathematical questions generally done by equations. Suppose the question is this: “What number is that whose half exceeds its third by 12?” Assume any number you like as the supposed answer—say 96. Then, by the question, 96 ÷ 2 = 96 i.e. 54, but 48 does not equal 54, the latter is 16 too much. Well, now state by rule of proportion thus, 16: 12:: 96 to the answer, which is 72, the number required.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
False Ceiling
Fallow Land
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