Which mathematical discipline is concerned with solving polynomial equations?

The correct answer is Algebra because this mathematical discipline specifically focuses on the study of mathematical symbols and the rules for manipulating these symbols. Polynomial equations, which involve expressions like (ax^n + bx^{n-1} + ... + k = 0) (where (a), (b), and (k) are constants and (n) is a non-negative integer), are a central topic in algebra. Within algebra, one can learn techniques to find the roots of polynomial equations, understand their behavior, and explore different properties associated with them.

Additionally, algebra serves as the foundational language of mathematics, where concepts such as variables, equations, and functions are defined and used to solve various types of problems. While calculus deals with rates of change and areas under curves, statistics focuses on data analysis and interpretation, and combinatorics involves counting and arrangement problems, none of these disciplines specifically address the solving of polynomial equations as their primary focus. Therefore, algebra is the most appropriate mathematical discipline concerning polynomial equations.