The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved: How Mathematical Genius Discovered the Language of Symmetry

Mario Livio

ISBN 10: 0285637436 / ISBN 13: 9780285637436

Published by Souvenir Press Ltd, 2006

About this Item

Seller Inventory # E-9780285637436-2-2

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved: How Mathematical Genius Discovered the Language of Symmetry
• Publisher: Souvenir Press Ltd
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0285637436
• ISBN 13: 9780285637436
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very good

About this title

Synopsis

The story of symmetry is a story of brilliant mathematicians, and a fascinating account of how mathematics illuminates a wide variety of disciplines. It explains how J.S. Bach composed, how the rubik's cube was invented and why we are sexually attracted to other people.Over the millennia, mathematicians had solved progressively more difficult algebraic equations until they came to the quintic equation. It resisted solution for several centuries, until two mathematical prodigies independently discovered that it could not be solved by the usual methods and opened the door to group theory. These young geniuses, a Norwegian named Niels Henrik Abel and the Frenchman, �varist Galois, would both die tragically. Galois spent the night before his death in a duel (aged only twenty) scribbling another summary of his proof, writing in the margin of his "I have no time".

From the Publisher

"Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how the apparently remote concerns of pure mathematics can lead too deep and practical insights into the natural world." --Ian Stewart, author of DOES GOD PLAY DICE?

"A highly readable and illuminating book." --Sir Michael Atiyah, Abel Prize in Mathematics Laureate 2004