{"product_id":"books-unknown-quantity-by-john-derbyshire","title":"Unknown Quantity","description":"\u003cb\u003ePerfect for history buffs and armchair algebra experts, \u003ci\u003eUnknown Quantity\u003c\/i\u003etells the story of the development of abstract mathematical thought.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e John 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":"World of Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53673180102929,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780452288539.jpg?v=1781523962","url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/products\/books-unknown-quantity-by-john-derbyshire","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}