Mathematical Notes

Table of Contents - Volume 19 - 1915  

Research Article

A simple nomogram for the solution of quadratic equations

E. T. Whittaker

There are many well-known graphical solutions of the quadratic equation, in which the roots are obtained as the intersections of a circle with a straight line. The practical objection to these solutions is that a fresh diagram has to be drawn for each equation that is to be solved: and the time occupied in constructing the diagram is greater than the time required to solve the equation by the ordinary arithmetical method.