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Abel's Impossibility Theorem

In general, Polynomial equations higher than fourth degree are incapable of algebraic solution in terms of a finite number of Additions, Multiplications, and Root extractions.

See also Cubic Equation, Galois's Theorem, Polynomial, Quadratic Equation, Quartic Equation, Quintic Equation


References

Abel, N. H. ``Beweis der Unmöglichkeit, algebraische Gleichungen von höheren Graden als dem vierten allgemein aufzulösen.'' J. reine angew. Math. 1, 65, 1826.




© 1996-9 Eric W. Weisstein
1999-05-25