History Polynomial

determining roots of polynomials, or solving algebraic equations , among oldest problems in mathematics. however, elegant , practical notation use today developed beginning in 15th century. before that, equations written out in words. example, algebra problem chinese arithmetic in 9 sections, circa 200 bce, begins 3 sheafs of crop, 2 sheafs of mediocre crop, , 1 sheaf of bad crop sold 29 dou. write 3x + 2y + z = 29.

history of notation

the earliest known use of equal sign in robert recorde s whetstone of witte, 1557. signs + addition, − subtraction, , use of letter unknown appear in michael stifel s arithemetica integra, 1544. rené descartes, in la géometrie, 1637, introduced concept of graph of polynomial equation. popularized use of letters beginning of alphabet denote constants , letters end of alphabet denote variables, can seen above, in general formula polynomial in 1 variable, s denote constants , x denotes variable. descartes introduced use of superscripts denote exponents well.