Ebook {Epub PDF} Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra by John Derbyshire

8 rows ·  · Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra: Author: John Derbyshire: /5(8). Algebraists broke new ground when they discarded the simple search for solutions to equations and concentrated instead on abstract groups. This dramatic shift in thinking revolutionized mathematics. Written for those among us who are unencumbered by a fear of formulae, Unknown Quantity delivers on its promise to present a history of algebra. Astonishing in its bold presentation of the math and /5(91).  · Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra. 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/5.

Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra by John Derbyshire starting at $ Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra has 3 available editions to buy at Half Price Books Marketplace. Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra: Author(s) John Derbyshire: Description [HARDCOVER - INNER FRONT FLAP] Grab your graphing calculators, slip out the slide rules, and buckle up. John Derbyshire is introducing us to algebra through the ages. "Here is the story of algebra.". Buy Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra Main by Derbyshire, John (ISBN: ) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra, Paperback by Derbyshire, John, ISBN , ISBN , Brand New, Free shipping in the US Gives form to the beauty and mystery of algebra, the most abstract of mathematical disciplines, in a reference that presents a cast of extraordinary historical characters who, through the centuries and across the world, played a role in the genesis of algebra. They make up a part of the set of illustrious historical personages mentioned in Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra by John Derbyshire. Even a person (such as myself) who has difficulty telling the difference between irreducible and resolvent equations will find Derbyshire’s book a fascinating look at the history of algebra and the often colorful people involved in its development. Like Prime Obsession, Unknown Quantity contains large sections that describe the mathematics. In Prime Obsession this was done in the odd-numbered chapters, with the even-numbered chapters focusing on the history. In Unknown Quantity, Derbyshire chose to sprinkle "Math Primers" along the way (there are six primers among 15 chapters). There is a fair amount of mathematics in the main text as well.