mavii

A polynomial is a type of algebraic equation that involves variables raised to a non-negative power — for example, x² + 5x + 6 = 0. It is among the oldest mathematical concepts, tracing its roots back to ancient Egypt and Babylon.

That’s exactly what happened in 1900 at the International Congress of Mathematicians at Sorbonne University in Paris. Legendary mathematician David Hilbert presented 10 unsolved problems as ambitious guideposts for the 20th century.