About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherPenguin Publishing Group

ISBN-100452288533

ISBN-139780452288539

eBay Product ID (ePID)154343764

Product Key Features

Number of Pages400 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication NameUnknown Quantity : a Real and Imaginary History of Algebra

Publication Year2007

SubjectHistory & Philosophy, Algebra / Abstract, Algebra / General, History, Geometry / Algebraic

TypeTextbook

Subject AreaMathematics, Science

AuthorJohn Derbyshire

FormatUk-B Format Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height0.8 in

Item Weight12.3 Oz

Item Length8 in

Item Width5.1 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

Dewey Edition22

ReviewsThe story of algebra is the story of civilization itself. Unknown Quantitybuzzes with rivalries, frustrations, and breakthroughs . . . a first-rate account. (New Scientist), The story of algebra is the story of civilization itself. Unknown Quantity buzzes with rivalries, frustrations, and breakthroughs . . . a first-rate account. ( New Scientist )

Grade FromTwelfth Grade

IllustratedYes

Dewey Decimal512.009

Grade ToUP

SynopsisPerfect 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., 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.

LC Classification NumberQA151.D47 2007