Top Mathematics discussions
NishMath
@sciencedaily.com
//
A mathematician from UNSW Sydney has reportedly solved one of algebra's oldest and most challenging problems: finding a general algebraic solution for higher polynomial equations. These equations, which involve a variable raised to powers, are fundamental in mathematics and science, with broad applications ranging from describing planetary movement to writing computer programs. While solutions for lower-degree polynomials (up to degree four) have been known for centuries, a general method for solving equations of degree five or higher had remained elusive, until now.
Professor Norman Wildberger, along with computer scientist Dr. Dean Rubine, developed a new approach using novel number sequences to tackle this problem. Their solution, recently published in The American Mathematical Monthly journal, challenges established mathematical assumptions and potentially "reopens a previously closed book in mathematics history," according to Professor Wildberger. The breakthrough centers around rethinking the use of radicals (roots of numbers) in classical formulas, traditionally used to solve lower-order polynomials.
Wildberger argues that radicals, often representing irrational numbers with infinite, non-repeating decimal expansions, introduce incompleteness into calculations. He claims that since these irrational numbers can never be fully calculated, assuming their 'existence' in a formula is problematic. This perspective led him to develop an alternative method based on number sequences, potentially offering a purely algebraic solution to higher-degree polynomial equations, bypassing the limitations of traditional radical-based approaches.
ImgSrc: www.sciencedail
References :
Professor Norman Wildberger, along with computer scientist Dr. Dean Rubine, developed a new approach using novel number sequences to tackle this problem. Their solution, recently published in The American Mathematical Monthly journal, challenges established mathematical assumptions and potentially "reopens a previously closed book in mathematics history," according to Professor Wildberger. The breakthrough centers around rethinking the use of radicals (roots of numbers) in classical formulas, traditionally used to solve lower-order polynomials.
Wildberger argues that radicals, often representing irrational numbers with infinite, non-repeating decimal expansions, introduce incompleteness into calculations. He claims that since these irrational numbers can never be fully calculated, assuming their 'existence' in a formula is problematic. This perspective led him to develop an alternative method based on number sequences, potentially offering a purely algebraic solution to higher-degree polynomial equations, bypassing the limitations of traditional radical-based approaches.
ImgSrc: www.sciencedail
Share:
References :
- Dan Drake ?: Talks about solution to mathematical problem, using number sequences.
- phys.org: Discusses the mathematician's solution to an algebraic problem.
- www.sciencedaily.com: Explains how the mathematician solved the problem.
Classification:
- HashTags: #algebra #mathematics #numbers
- Target: Algebraic Equations
- Product: Algebra
- Type: Research
- Severity: Informative