1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910786846503321

Autore

Irving Ronald S. <1952->

Titolo

Beyond the quadratic formula / / Ron Irving [[electronic resource]]

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Washington : , : Mathematical Association of America, , 2013

ISBN

1-61444-112-X

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (xvi, 228 pages) : digital, PDF file(s)

Collana

Classroom resource materials

Disciplina

512.9/422

Soggetti

Polynomials

Algebra

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 02 Oct 2015).

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Polynomials -- Quadratic polynomials -- Cubic polynomials -- Complex numbers -- Cubic polynomials, II -- Quartic polynomials -- Higher-degree polynomials.

Sommario/riassunto

The quadratic formula for the solution of quadratic equations was discovered independently by scholars in many ancient cultures and is familiar to everyone.  Less well known are formulas for solutions of cubic and quartic equations whose discovery was the high point of 16th century mathematics.  Their study forms the heart of this book, as part of the broader theme that a polynomial’s coefficients can be used to obtain detailed information on its roots. A closing chapter offers glimpses into the theory of higher-degree polynomials, concluding with a proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra.  The book also includes historical sections designed to reveal key discoveries in the study of polynomial equations as milestones in intellectual history across cultures.  Beyond the Quadratic Formula is designed for self-study, with many results presented as exercises and some supplemented by outlines for solution.  The intended audience includes in-service and prospective secondary mathematics teachers, high school students eager to go beyond the standard curriculum, undergraduates who desire an in-depth look at a topic they may have unwittingly skipped over, and the mathematically curious who wish to do some work to unlock the mysteries of this beautiful subject.