Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780452288539)

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.

Author: John Derbyshire
ISBN-10: 0452288533
ISBN-13: 9780452288539
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Language: English
Published: 06/01/2007
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.72lbs
Size: 7.98h x 5.36w x 0.86d

Review Citation(s):
Science Books & Films 11/01/2007 pg. 250
Scitech Book News 03/01/2008 pg. 29