{"product_id":"unknown-quantity-isbn-9780452288539","title":"Unknown Quantity","description":"\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.[A] very entertaining survey of the development of algebra. (\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e)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 \u003cb\u003eNational Review\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eThe New Criterion\u003c\/b\u003e. Born and raised in England, he has made his home in the United States for the past fifteen years.","brand":"Plume","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46299961721061,"sku":"NP9780452288539","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780452288539.jpg?v=1767743273","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/unknown-quantity-isbn-9780452288539","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}