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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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