MATH495L
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Mathematics
BC
Subject code
MATH
Course Number
495L
Department(s)
Instructor(s)
P. Wong
Course Long Title
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Description
Over the centuries, there have been numerous proofs of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra (FTA), which asserts that every polynomial of degree n must have at most n distinct roots over the complex numbers. The great German mathematician Carl F. Gauss (1777-1855) published no fewer than four different proofs of the result. While the name of the theorem foregrounds algebra, none of the known proofs is purely algebraic. Over the centuries, techniques from complex analysis, topology, and field extensions have been employed to give new proofs of the FTA. In this seminar, students explore some of these proofs where the methods are drawn from various subfields in mathematics. Prerequisite(s): MATH 309.
Modes of Inquiry
Quantitative and Formal Reasoning [QF]
Writing Credit
W3