Tell me more ×
Mathematics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people studying math at any level and professionals in related fields. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I want to solve this question but I don't understand what "height" of an algebraic equation is:

Find the number of solutions of the set of all algebraic equations of height 2.

share|improve this question
3  
Where did the question come from? If from a text, there should be a definition. And what set do the variables and constants in your equation come from? If it is $\mathbb{R}$, even linear equations have continuum many solutions. – Ross Millikan Oct 8 '11 at 3:30
5  
Googling "height of an algebraic equation" finds a few references to a definition by Cantor: the sum of the absolute values of the coefficients plus the degree minus 1. There's also height of a polynomial, which is similar but different. – lhf Oct 8 '11 at 3:42
1  
@lhf's suggestion fits well with the question here. This definition is commonly part of an argument that there are countably many algebraic numbers. – Henning Makholm Oct 8 '11 at 3:44

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.