An electronic digital polynomial root extractor

Citation

Johnson, Robert Royce (1956) An electronic digital polynomial root extractor. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03242004-145118

Abstract

Many mathematical techniques exist for factoring algebraic polynomials. Most require much computation and programming and are practical methods only with large machine computers. A special purpose electronic digital computer designed to factor polynomials of high degree is described. The mathematical method is an adaptation of a Taylor serial approximation used to connect the problem and its formulation with a special machine implementation. The computer uses a small rotating magnetic drum, about 200 germanium diodes, and 20 logical flip-flops. Unique features of the system are the simple algebraic logical design techniques and the ease of programming. The result is a small, simple, and useful computer.

Thesis Files