{"product_id":"unknown-quantity-a-real-and-imaginary-history-of-algebra-9780452288539","title":"Unknown Quantity A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerfect for history buffs and armchair algebra experts, \u003ci\u003eUnknown Quantity\u003c\/i\u003e tells the story of the development of abstract mathematical thought.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJohn Derbyshire discovers the story behind the formulae, roots, and radicals. As he did so masterfully in \u003ci\u003ePrime Obsession\u003c\/i\u003e, Derbyshire brings the evolution of mathematical thinking to dramatic life by focusing on the key historical players. \u003ci\u003eUnknown Quantity\u003c\/i\u003e 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 \u003ci\u003ewhat\u003c\/i\u003e 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.","brand":"Penguin Publishing Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51862621356375,"sku":"9780452288539","price":18.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9780452288539.jpg?v=1759918305","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/unknown-quantity-a-real-and-imaginary-history-of-algebra-9780452288539","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}