Puente Muñoz, María Jesús De La2023-06-202023-06-2020020723-086910.1016/S0723-0869(02)80009-3https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/58550We study real algebraic plane curves, at an elementary level, using as little algebra as possible. Both cases, affine and projective, are addressed. A real curve is infinite, finite or empty according to the fact that a minimal polynomial for the curve is indefinite, semi-definite nondefinite or definite. We present a discussion about isolated points. By means of the P operator, these points can be easily identified for curves defined by minimal polynomials of order bigger than one. We also discuss the conditions that a curve must satisfy in order to have a minimal polynomial. Finally, we list the most relevant topological properties of affine and projective, complex and real plane algebraic curves.engjournal articlehttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0723086902800093http://www.sciencedirect.comrestricted access512.7Geometria algebraica1201.01 Geometría Algebraica