Rethinking Radicals in Algebra. To understand this breakthrough, it helps to know why solving polynomials became such a challenge. Solutions to basic equations, such as quadratics like 1 + 4x ...

A mathematician has uncovered a way of answering some of algebra's oldest problems. University of New South Wales Honorary Professor Norman Wildberger, ... radicals, or functions like sine and cosine.

The polynomial problem . ... Both approaches rely on mathematical functions like squaring, adding, or multiplying, rather than irrational numbers, radicals, or functions like sine and cosine.

Mathematicians have long believed that a general solution for these equations in terms of square or cube roots, known as radicals, was impossible. That belief dates back to 1832, ...

A UNSW Sydney mathematician has discovered a new method to tackle algebra's oldest challenge—solving higher polynomial equations. Polynomials are equations involving a variable raised to powers ...

Most people’s experiences with polynomial equations don’t extend much further than high school algebra and the quadratic formula. Still, these numeric puzzles remain a foundational component ...