Unknown quantity : a real and imaginary history of algebra / John Derbyshire.

Author/creator Derbyshire, John
Format Book
Publication InfoWashington, D.C. : Joseph Henry Press, ©2006.
Descriptionviii, 374 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, portraits ; 24 cm
Supplemental ContentTable of contents
Supplemental Contenthttp://www.nap.edu/catalog/11540.html
Subjects
Algebra--History.
Equations--History.
Algebra, Universal--History.
Algebra, Abstract--History.
Geometry, Algebraic--History.

Contents Math Primer: Numbers and Polynomials -- The Unknown Quantity -- Four Thousand Years Ago -- The Father of Algebra -- Completion and Reduction -- Math Primer: Cubic and Quartic Equations -- Commerce and Competition -- Relief for the Imagination -- Universal Arithmetic -- The Lions Claw -- Math Primer: Roots of Unity -- The Assault on the Quintic -- Math Primer: Vector Spaces and Algebras -- The Leap into the Fourth Dimension -- An Oblong Arrangement of Terms -- Victoria's Brumous Isles -- Levels of Abstraction Math Primer: Field Theory -- Pistols at Dawn -- Lady of the Rings -- Math Primer: Algebraic Geometry -- Geometry Makes a Comeback -- Algebraic This, Algebraic That -- From Universal Arithmetic to Universal Algebra.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
LCCN 2005037018
ISBN030909657X (hardback : alk. paper)
ISBN9780309096577

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks QA151 .D47 2006 ✔ Available Place Hold