Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra by John Derbyshire - May 2007

Plume, 2007. Paperback. Acceptable. Disclaimer:Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.

Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.

Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.

Plume, 2007-05-29. Paperback. Good. 0.9000 7.9000 5.3000. Pages are tanned and clean, text and pictures are intact and unmarred.

Paperback. Good.

Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.

Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner’s name, short gifter’s inscription or light stamp.

Plume. Used - Very Good. 2007. Paperback. Very Good.

Plume, 2007-05-29. paperback. Used: Good.

Plume Books, 2007. Softcover. Like New. 5x0x7. 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.