An equation of the form $ax^5+bx^4+cx^3+dx^2+ex+f=0$

It is well known that the quadratic equation has a closed form solution. It is less well known that the cubic equation and quartic equation also both have closed form solutions, although they are significantly more complex.

For centuries a general solution for the quintic (and higher) equation was sought, but in 1824 Abel proved that such a formula (using radicals) is impossible, and this was generalised and extended by Galois's work of 1832 or so.


Last change to this page
Full Page history
Links to this page
Edit this page
  (with sufficient authority)
Change password
Recent changes
All pages
Search