Mathematician Finds Easier Way to Solve Quadratic Equations

[Gerson W. Barbosa]

(04-23-2024 07:20 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  This article apparently first ran in Popular Mechanics... who knew to look there for math news??

Here is an HP-42S program using his method:

Code:


00 { 26-Byte Prgm }
01▸LBL "Q"
02 X<> ST Z
03 STO÷ ST Z
04 STO+ ST X
05 +/-
06 ÷
07 STO ST Z
08 X↑2
09 -
10 +/-
11 SQRT
12 RCL+ ST Y 
13 X<>Y
14 RCL- ST L
15 END

Same usage of this quadratic solve and same number of steps. This first attempt takes up one extra byte, though.