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The secret formula : how a mathematical duel inflamed renaissance italy and uncovered the cubic equation / Fabio Toscano, Arturo Sangalli.

By: Toscano, Fabio, 1969- [author.].
Contributor(s): Sangalli, Arturo, 1940- [translator.].
Material type: TextTextPublisher: Princeton : Princeton University Press, 2020Edition: 1.Description: viii, 161 pages; USD 24.95 24 cms.Content type: text Media type: unmediated Carrier type: volumeISBN: 9780691183671.Subject(s): Tartaglia, Niccolò, -1557 | Cardano, Girolamo, 1501-1576 | -- Algebra -- History, 16th century | -- Equations. -- HistorySummary: "This popular book, a translation from the Italian original by Fabio Toscano, tells the story of a mathematical "duel" that culminated in the discovery of a general formula for the solution of the cubic equation. In Renaissance Italy, mathematicians used to challenge one another outdoors, in front of an audience, with mathematical problems expressed in rhyme. The winner received both personal and scientific rewards--these contests were taken seriously and were often quite contentious. This book contains the story of one of the most famous of these "duels", between Niccolò Tartaglia and Gerolamo Cardano, and relays how it led to the discovery of the cubic formula. This fascinating story not only reveals the history of the cubic equation, but also sheds light on the state of mathematics at the time. The story is fast-paced and illuminating, and is told primarily through the words of the main actors. Much is known about Tartaglia (a math teacher) and Cardano (a physician, mathematician, and gambler) but The Secret Formula is only book that tells the story of the intrigues, secrets, and passionate debates that once surrounded this now-famous formula"-- Provided by publisher.
List(s) this item appears in: 2021-07-26
Item type Current location Call number Status Date due Barcode Item holds
Book Chennai Mathematical Institute
General Stacks
510.922 TOS (Browse shelf) Available 10869
Total holds: 0

"This popular book, a translation from the Italian original by Fabio Toscano, tells the story of a mathematical "duel" that culminated in the discovery of a general formula for the solution of the cubic equation. In Renaissance Italy, mathematicians used to challenge one another outdoors, in front of an audience, with mathematical problems expressed in rhyme. The winner received both personal and scientific rewards--these contests were taken seriously and were often quite contentious. This book contains the story of one of the most famous of these "duels", between Niccolò Tartaglia and Gerolamo Cardano, and relays how it led to the discovery of the cubic formula. This fascinating story not only reveals the history of the cubic equation, but also sheds light on the state of mathematics at the time. The story is fast-paced and illuminating, and is told primarily through the words of the main actors. Much is known about Tartaglia (a math teacher) and Cardano (a physician, mathematician, and gambler) but The Secret Formula is only book that tells the story of the intrigues, secrets, and passionate debates that once surrounded this now-famous formula"-- Provided by publisher.

Translated from Italian.