Fundamental Theorem of Algebra Part II: The Theorem's Proof, The Theorem's Impact

From the times of the late Renaissance, the theory of equations was characterized in western culture by a high level of exploration and emerging ideas. Among these advances was the gradual acceptance of a broad and generalized number class accompanied by a sustained attack on polynomial equations.

Putting the pieces of the puzzle in place was clearly a slow and laborious task and extended across the entirety of the eighteenth century. But at long last, in the year 1799, the missing focal piece was found. It fit perfectly into its anticipated place and today is called the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Previous pieces of the puzzle were identified and assembled in Part I, which was entitled "The Theorem Foreshadowed."

Table of Contents:

PARTIAL PROOF PERPLEXITIES

GAUSS' PROOF

IN THE SHADOW OF GAUSS

REFERENCES