algebraic number

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. a root of an algebraic equation with integral coefficients.

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algebraic number British  

noun

1. any number that is a root of a polynomial equation having rational coefficients such as √2 but not π Compare transcendental number

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Etymology

Origin of algebraic number

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

But ∛2 belongs to the algebraic numbers, which can be written as solution of a polynomial equation.

From Scientific American

In other words, she came up with a proof that the ratio of the long sides to the short sides are “algebraic numbers,” a major topic in number theory.

From New York Times

The tools used to attack it, however, include key advances in algebraic number theory in the late 19th century, as well as in modular forms in the early 20th century.

From Scientific American

For example, an algebraic number is the solution to a polynomial equation.

From Scientific American

This opens up a lot of new numbers, like √2 and -1/31/12, but the set of algebraic numbers is once again countable.

From Scientific American