Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra

Derbyshire, John

ISBN 10: 0452288533 / ISBN 13: 9780452288539

Published by Penguin Publishing Group, 2007

Used book in good condition. May have some wear to binding, spine, cover, and pages. Some light highlighting markings writing may be present. May have some stickers and or sticker residue present. May be Ex-lib. copy. May NOT include discs, or access code or other supplemental material. We ship Monday-Saturday and respond to inquiries within 24 hours. Seller Inventory # BXM.CDKW

Synopsis:

Perfect for history buffs and armchair algebra experts, Unknown Quantity tells the story of the development of abstract mathematical thought.

John Derbyshire discovers the story behind the formulae, roots, and radicals. As he did so masterfully in Prime Obsession, Derbyshire brings the evolution of mathematical thinking to dramatic life by focusing on the key historical players. Unknown Quantity begins in the time of Abraham and Isaac and moves from Abel's proof to the higher levels of abstraction developed by Galois through modern-day advances. Derbyshire explains how a simple turn of thought from "this plus this equals this" to "this plus what equals this?" gave birth to a whole new way of perceiving the world. With a historian's narrative authority and a beloved teacher's clarity and passion, Derbyshire leads readers on an intellectually satisfying and pleasantly challenging historical and mathematical journey.

About the Author: John Derbyshire is a mathematician and linguist by education, a systems analyst by profession, and a celebrated writer in his spare time. His work appears frequently in National Review and The New Criterion. Born and raised in England, he has made his home in the United States for the past fifteen years.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary ...
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication Date: 2007
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: good