Title
Imagining Numbers: (particularly the square root of minus fifteen),New
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How the elusive imaginary number was first imagined, and how to imagine it yourselfImagining Numbers (particularly the square root of minus fifteen) is Barry Mazur's invitation to those who take delight in the imaginative work of reading poetry, but may have no background in math, to make a leap of the imagination in mathematics. Imaginary numbers entered into mathematics in sixteenthcentury Italy and were used with immediate success, but nevertheless presented an intriguing challenge to the imagination. It took more than two hundred years for mathematicians to discover a satisfactory way of 'imagining' these numbers.With discussions about how we comprehend ideas both in poetry and in mathematics, Mazur reviews some of the writings of the earliest explorers of these elusive figures, such as Rafael Bombelli, an engineer who spent most of his life draining the swamps of Tuscany and who in his spare moments composed his great treatise 'L'Algebra'. Mazur encourages his readers to share the early bafflement of these Renaissance thinkers. Then he shows us, step by step, how to begin imagining, ourselves, imaginary numbers.
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- Q: What is 'Imagining Numbers' about? A: 'Imagining Numbers: (particularly the square root of minus fifteen)' by Barry Mazur explores the concept of imaginary numbers and invites readers, especially those without a math background, to engage with mathematical imagination through historical context and poetic discourse.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Imagining Numbers'? A: The author of 'Imagining Numbers' is Barry Mazur, a mathematician known for his work in algebraic topology and number theory.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: 'Imagining Numbers' was published on January 1, 2003.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Imagining Numbers'? A: The book contains 270 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: 'Imagining Numbers' is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: This particular listing specifies that the book is in 'Good' condition.
- Q: What category does 'Imagining Numbers' fall under? A: 'Imagining Numbers' is categorized under 'History', focusing on the historical development of mathematical concepts.
- Q: Can readers without a math background understand this book? A: Yes, 'Imagining Numbers' is designed for readers who may not have a math background, offering an imaginative approach to understanding mathematical ideas.
- Q: Does this book include historical figures in mathematics? A: Yes, Barry Mazur discusses historical figures such as Rafael Bombelli, who contributed to the understanding of imaginary numbers.
- Q: Is 'Imagining Numbers' suitable for educational purposes? A: This book can be suitable for educational purposes, especially for those interested in the intersection of mathematics and literature or for introductory discussions on imaginary numbers.