The Beginnings and Evolution of Algebra (Dolciani Mathematical Expositions) - Softcover

Bashmakova, I. G.; Smirnova, G. S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0883853299 ISBN 13: 9780883853290

Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America, 2000

Synopsis

An examination of the evolution of one of the cornerstones of modern mathematics.

About this title

Book Description

The elements of algebra were known to the ancient mesopotamians at least 4000 years ago. Today algebra stands as one of the cornerstones of modern mathematics. How then did the subject evolve? An illuminating read for historians of mathematics and working algebraists looking into the history of their subject.

Synopsis

The elements of algebra were known to the ancient Mesopotamians at least 4000 years ago. Today algebra stands as one of the cornerstones of modern mathematics. How then did the subject evolve? How did its constituent ideas and concepts arise, and how have they changed over the years? These are the questions that the authors address in this work. The authors challenge the existing view that the development of algebra was driven by the investigation of determinate equations and in particular their solution by radicals. In short they claim that the study of indeterminate equations was no less important. Historians of mathematics, as well as working algebraists who want to look into the history of their subject, will find this an illuminating read.

Edition details

• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0883853299
• ISBN 13: 9780883853290
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 196