Polynomials and their Roots

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We are familiar with the formula for solving a quadratic equation where the highest power of the unknown is a square.  The quest for a similar formula for equations where the highest power is three, four five or more led to dramatic changes in how this question was regarded. Powerful techniques in algebra were developed following work by Abel and Galois in the 19th century to show that there is no such formula when there are powers higher than four.

This is a part of the lecture series, Shaping Modern Mathematics. The other lectures in the series are as follows:
    Ghosts of Departed Quantities: Calculus and its Limits
    From One to Many Geometries
    The Queen of Mathematics
    Are Averages Typical?
    Modelling the World

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This event was on Tue, 06 Nov 2012

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Professor Raymond Flood

Professor of Geometry

Raymond Flood has spent most of his academic life promoting mathematics and computing to adult audiences, mainly through his position as University Lecturer at Oxford University, in the Continuing Education Department and at Kellogg College.

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