Polynomial Solver Program

Theory

While one may use the so-called "Cubic Formula" and "Quartic Formula" to solve polynomial equations, as a mater of practicality, for equations of order three and higher, numerical methods are probably easier to use (and must be used for equations of order five and higher). The program SolvePolynomial, written in Java, which you may download below, reliably solves polynomial equations of orders two through eight (inclusive). The methods used by the program are explained in this document, which document also contains test cases for the program.

Download

The program (and its source code) may be downloaded by clicking: SolvePolynomial.zip (22,483 bytes). Unzip the download, and put the folder SolvePolynomial on your Desktop. Note that the compiled program files are in the class folder in the SolvePolynomial folder, and that the folder source in the SolvePolynomial folder contains the source, i.e., .java, files. The file SolvePolynomial.java contains the program's main method. In any case, drag the "gear" icon SolvePolynomial.bat in the SolvePolynomial folder to your Desktop. Then, double-clicking on the "gear" icon will start the program.