Abstract

Our study analyses the general method for solving polynomial equations that the Valencian mathematician José Zaragoza exposed in his book Arithmetica Universal, published for the first time in 1669. This method is based on the one developed by Vieta, which was published in his book De numerosa potestatum (1600), and it is an evolution of the ancient Babylonian method for calculating roots. Specifically, this resolution method is based on the binomial expansion of the powers involved in the equation, and it has two key points: the selection of the number of digits in the solution and the selection of the appropriate divisor for estimating the successive digits. The configuration used by Zaragoza includes tables and detailed explanations of the different ramifications of the process and these didactic aspects allow us to highlight Zaragoza’s work, when we compare it with other European mathematicians who used this method during the 17th century.

History of Mathematics and mathematics education; Algebra; Equations; 17th century; José Zaragoza