Galois Theory without abstract algebra

Abstract

Galois theory is developed using elementary polynomial and group algebra. The method follows closely the original prescription of Galois, and has the benefit of making the theory accessible to a wide audience. The theory is illustrated by a solution in radicals of lower degree polynomials, and the standard result of the insolubility in radicals of the general quintic and above. This is augmented by the presentation of a general solution in radicals for all polynomials when such exist, and illustrated with specific cases. A method for computing the Galois group and establishing whether a radical solution exists is also presented.