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Harriot's algebraic symbol and the roots of equation  

Shin, Kyung-Hee (Graduate School of Education, Ajou University)
Publication Information
Journal for History of Mathematics / v.25, no.1, 2012 , pp. 15-27 More about this Journal
Abstract
Thomas Harriot(1560-1621) introduced a simplified notation for algebra. His fundamental research on the theory of equations was far ahead of that time. He invented certain symbols which are used today. Harriot treated all answers to solve equations equally whether positive or negative, real or imaginary. He did outstanding work on the solution of equations, recognizing negative roots and complex roots in a way that makes his solutions look like a present day solution. Since he published no mathematical work in his lifetime, his achievements were not recognized in mathematical history and mathematics education. In this paper, by comparing his works with Viete and Descartes those are mathematicians in the same age, I show his achievements in mathematics.
Keywords
Harriot; algebraic symbol; the roots of equation;
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