Concepts
Polynomial
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An expression built from constants and variables using only addition, multiplication and non-negative integer exponents, such as three x squared minus five x plus seven. Polynomials are the basic objects of algebra: their roots, factorizations and symmetries organize much of the subject, and whether a general polynomial equation can be solved by a formula involving radicals is a question about them.
Facts
Origin YearThis dates the first recorded English use of the term polynomial, per the OED; polynomial expressions themselves were studied by Babylonian, Chinese, Islamic and Renaissance mathematicians centuries earlier, so no year exists for the underlying concept, only for the word. Cross-Tradition Connections
Sources
1. Earliest Known Uses of Some of the Words of Mathematics: P (MacTutor)
MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive, University of St Andrewsentry POLYNOMIALQuote, entry POLYNOMIAL
The word is found in English in 1674 in Arithmetic by Samuel Jeake (1623-1690): Those knit together by both Signs are called by some Multinomials, or Polynomials, that is, many named (OED2).
Polynomial (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationDefinition sectionQuote, Definition section
A polynomial is an expression that can be built from constants and symbols called variables or indeterminates by means of addition, multiplication and exponentiation to a non-negative integer power.
Polynomial (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationEtymology sectionQuote, Etymology section
The word polynomial was first used in the 17th century.
Polynomial (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIn Branch: Algebra, Introductory sectionQuote, In Branch: Algebra, Introductory section
In advanced mathematics, polynomials are used to construct polynomial rings and algebraic varieties, which are central concepts in algebra and algebraic geometry.
Wolfram MathWorld
Wolfram Research, Inc.https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Polynomial.htmlQuote, https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Polynomial.html
A polynomial is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients.
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