{"product_id":"unknown-quantity-a-real-and-imaginary-history-of-algebra","title":"Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra","description":"Perfect for history buffs and armchair algebra experts, Unknown Quantity tells the story of the development of abstract mathematical thought.\n\nJohn 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.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 0452288533\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: DBV.0452288533.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Derbyshire, John\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing, but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing, and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. May be ex-library with library markings. Ships promptly!  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dream Books Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41504286507066,"sku":"DBV.0452288533.G","price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/6011\/0138\/files\/0452288533-0.jpg?v=1783100026","url":"https:\/\/shop.dreambooksco.com\/products\/unknown-quantity-a-real-and-imaginary-history-of-algebra","provider":"Dream Books Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}