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Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra
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Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra Paperback - 2007

by John Derbyshire

Written for those who are unencumbered by a fear of formulae, this volume presents a history of algebra that is intellectually satisfying and pleasantly challenging.


Summary

For curious nonmathematicians and armchair algebra buffs, 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 journey through the development of abstract mathematical thought.

From the publisher

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.

Details

  • Title Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra
  • Author John Derbyshire
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 400
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Plume Books, New York
  • Date May 29, 2007
  • ISBN 9780452288539 / 0452288533
  • Weight 0.72 lbs (0.33 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.98 x 5.36 x 0.86 in (20.27 x 13.61 x 2.18 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Library of Congress subjects Algebra - History, Equations - History
  • Dewey Decimal Code 512.009

Media reviews

[A] very entertaining survey of the development of algebra. (Publishers Weekly)

Citations

  • Science Books & Films, 11/01/2007, Page 250
  • Scitech Book News, 03/01/2008, Page 29

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.
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Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra
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Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra

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Plume Books, 2007. Softcover. Like New. 5x0x7. 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.
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Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra

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Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra

by Derbyshire, John

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