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Unknown Quantity

A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra

By John Derbyshire

(6)

| Paperback | 9780452288539

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Book Description

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 pContinue

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.

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Book Details

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  • English Books
  • Paperback 416 Pages
  • ISBN-10: 0452288533
  • ISBN-13: 9780452288539
  • Publisher: Plume
  • Pub date: May 29, 2007
  • Dimensions: 1290 mm x 903 mm x 129 mm Just how big is that?
  • Also available as: Hardcover
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9780452288539 Paperback $16.00 $13.68 bn.com
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