Mathematics
In mathematics, Smith's most notable achievement is the construction of what has been called the Smith generic cyclic polynomial. For any integer n not divisible by eight, this constructs a polynomial which, upon specializing the values, gives all of the cyclic extensions of any given base field with characteristic prime to n. This can then be extended to metacyclic extensions, such as dihedral groups.
Smith was also a member of the Amdahl Six group, which held the record for the largest known prime number from 1989-1992.
Read more about this topic: Gene Ward Smith
Famous quotes containing the word mathematics:
“... though mathematics may teach a man how to build a bridge, it is what the Scotch Universities call the humanities, that teach him to be civil and sweet-tempered.”
—Amelia E. Barr (1831–1919)