MATH CHATS: The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra: A Visual Approach

Daniel Velleman (Amherst College) is our speaker. The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra says that for every nonconstant polynomial p there is a complex number z such that p(z) = 0.  In this talk he will present a method of visualizing functions on the complex plane, and use this method to illustrate why the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra is true.  He will also discuss the history of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra and its proofs.