JEAN PRESTET: ALGÈBRE ET COMBINATOIRE DANS LA RÉSOLUTION DES ÉQUATIONS

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the algebraic theory of equations, presented by Jean Prestet in the two editions of his Elemens de mathematiques. Jean Prestet develops there an innovative idea: the association of algebra and combinatorial analysis; he underlines the novelty of his approach by registering his resolution of equations in a new way: the «voie mixte». This mixed way, he tells us, rests on the two already existing ways: the analytical way (the algebra for Jean Prestet) and the synthetic way (illustrated by the combinatorial analysis in Elemens de mathematiques).