a branch of algebra that determines if an algebraic equation can be solved in terms of radicals
Origin:
after E. Galois (1811-32), Fr mathematician
See Galois theory in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
The part of algebra concerned with the relation between solutions of a polynomial equation and the fields containing those solutions. It gives conditions under which the solutions can be expressed in terms of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and of the extraction of roots.
Origin:
Origin: After Évariste Galois (1811-1832), French mathematician