I observed an Algebra class recently where students were trying to multiply two polynomials, (x + 5) and (3x 2 - 5x - 4). And as I roamed the room, I noticed several students who were stuck because ...

Two mathematicians have used a new geometric approach in order to address a very old problem in algebra. In school, we often learn how to multiply out and factor polynomial equations like (x² – 1) or ...