Qin Jiushao's numerical method for polynomial equations (Horner's method)
Método de Qin Jiushao para ecuaciones numéricas (método de Horner)
- Date
- 1247 · confidence high
- Place
- Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Credited to
- Qin Jiushao (Shushu jiuzhang)
- People
- 👤 Qin Jiushao1208–1261
- Field
- Knowledge & symbols
What was discovered
An algorithm for calculating the roots of polynomial equations of any degree (up to the tenth in his examples) by successive transformations on the counting-rod board; he also gives the general dayan method for solving congruences. It is the method Europe would call Horner's.
Horner (1819) and Ruffini (1804) rediscovered it independently; in China Jia Xian had already sketched it in the 11th century.
What it led to
- numerical solution of high-degree equations
- general algorithm for systems of congruences