John Derbyshire

Unknown Quantity

A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

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.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Penguin Random House Sea
• Seitenzahl: 400
• Erscheinungstermin: 1. Juni 2007
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 203mm x 136mm x 22mm
• Gewicht: 327g
• ISBN-13: 9780452288539
• ISBN-10: 0452288533
• Artikelnr.: 22532629

Autorenporträt

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.