Mathematician Finds Easier Way to Solve Quadratic Equations

[nickapos]

(05-05-2024 12:48 PM)Maximilian Hohmann Wrote:  Hello!

(05-05-2024 02:24 AM)Namir Wrote:  Let's keep in mind the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid), or what Einstein said, "Make it simple, but no simpler".

Yes, it's amazing. A simple statement "Mathematician Finds Easier Way to Solve Quadratic Equations" has turned into "how many HP calculator nerds does it take to change a lightbulb?" ;-)

But apart from that I keep wondering why the quadratic equation and it's memorized solution is attributed such a high significance by schools. I have never since finishing school come across a quadratic equation in real life. Things are mostly simple and can be handled with linear calculations ("if my plane needs 1400 pounds of fuel in one hour, how much must I take along for a 2:25h flight?") or they are really complicated and require higher order polynomials, transcendental funcions or numeric solutions. But a quadratic equation? Never ever.

Regards
Max

It seems to me quadratic is simple enough to explain polynomials at a school level. Also useful to be used for introduction to integrals and differentiation