The Secret Formula - How a Mathematical Duel Inflamed Renaissance Italy and Uncovered the Cubic Equation

Fabio Toscano

Sinopsis

The legendary Renaissance math duel that ushered in the modern age of algebraThe Secret Formula tells the story of two Renaissance mathematicians whose jealousies, intrigues, and contentious debates led to the discovery of a formula for the solution of the cubic equation. Niccolò Tartaglia was a talented and ambitious teacher who possessed a secret formula—the key to unlocking a seemingly unsolvable, two-thousand-year-old mathematical problem. He wrote it down in the form of a poem to prevent other mathematicians from stealing it. Gerolamo Cardano was a physician, gifted scholar, and notorious gambler who would not hesitate to use flattery and even trickery to learn Tartaglia's secret.Set against the backdrop of sixteenth-century Italy, The Secret Formula provides new and compelling insights into the peculiarities of Renaissance mathematics while bringing a turbulent and culturally vibrant age to life. It was an era when mathematicians challenged each other in intellectual duels held outdoors before enthusiastic crowds. Success not only enhanced the winner's reputation, but could result in prize money and professional acclaim. After hearing of Tartaglia's spectacular victory in one such contest in Venice, Cardano invited him to Milan, determined to obtain his secret by whatever means necessary. Cardano's intrigues paid off. In 1545, he was the first to publish a general solution of the cubic equation. Tartaglia, eager to take his revenge by establishing his superiority as the most brilliant mathematician of the age, challenged Cardano to the ultimate mathematical duel.A lively and compelling account of genius, betrayal, and all-too-human failings, The Secret Formula reveals the epic rivalry behind one of the fundamental ideas of modern algebra.

Disponible desde: 19/05/2020.

Otros libros que te pueden interesar

See It with a Small Telescope -...

Will Kalif

Have fun exploring the stars with close-up views of space objects right from your own backyard! Take the mystery and struggle out of discovering new worlds. With hands-on tips, tricks, and instructions, this book allows you to unleash the full power of your small telescope and view amazing space objects right from your own backyard, including: • Saturn’s Rings • Jupiter’s Moons • Apollo 11's Landing Site • Orion Nebula • Andromeda Galaxy • Polaris Double Star • Pegasus Globular Cluster • and much, much more! “An observation guide, mentor, and historical tour all in one.” —Space.com

Ver libro

Imaginative Communities -...

Robert Govers

Americans are loud. Amsterdam equals sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Mexicans are lazy and Germans are boring, but punctual. Paris is romantic, Wuhan infectious, Ukrainians heroic, and New Zealand untouched.  
This is the way people around the world think about cities, regions and countries and the communities that live there; through cliches and stereotypes. It can be frustrating and hindering trade, diplomacy, investment, tourism, or talent attraction. Many believe that such image problems can be resolved with advertising campaigns, but the classic tourism promotion model is broken and insufficient. This book explains what works and what doesn’t when it comes to improving the reputation of cities, regions, and countries. It does so without the use of jargon and with reference to numerous case-studies. The book primarily aims to inspire readers and offer them a broad overview of an issue in modern society that is of interest and relevance to all of us: the reputation of our communities. 
Tables and figures: download from www.imaginativecommunities.com/tables

Ver libro

When Machines Learn - AI and the...

Lars Meyer

Explore a future where artificial intelligence (AI) transforms every aspect of life, from jobs to ethical decisions. "When Machines Learn: AI and the Transformation of Society" takes you on a gripping journey through the evolution of AI, revealing its transition from primitive concepts to seamlessly integrated sophisticated systems. Witness groundbreaking applications that set the stage for a revolution.

As humanity stands at a critical crossroads, delve into the intricate dance between AI and its impact on the workforce. Jobs will evolve, industries will be reborn, and a new skilled labor market will emerge from automation's wake. Peel back layers of fear and uncertainty to reveal the silver lining of opportunities that lie ahead.

However, this brave new world raises moral dilemmas. Address the challenging questions of bias, equality, and the need for transparent and accountable systems. Explore implications for privacy in a data-driven world and navigate the tightrope between technological advancement and protecting individual rights.

Discover how AI will shape the future by redefining societal values. Human-AI collaboration enhances human capabilities, while case studies showcase explosive potential. The book examines international policies and the geopolitical race for AI supremacy, illustrating how AI can redefine daily life, from personalized experiences to strides in health, education, and transportation.

Equip yourself with knowledge to face the imminent AI future. "When Machines Learn" is your essential guide to understanding and embracing the AI revolution. Step into its pages to navigate the boundless possibilities of tomorrow.

Ver libro

The Whale - In Search of the...

Philip Hoare

The whale is the largest, loudest, oldest animal ever to have existed. It is improbable, amazing, and-as anyone who has seen an underwater documentary or visited the display at the American Museum of Natural Historycan attest-a powerful source of wonder and delight to millions. The Whale is an extraordinary journey into the world of this fascinating and mysterious animal.Acclaimed writer Philip Hoare visits the historic whale-hunting towns of New Bedford and Nantucket, wanders the streets of London and Liverpool in searchof Melville's whaling inspiration, and swims with sperm whales in the middle of the Atlantic. Through the course of his journey he explores the troubled history of man and whale; traces the whale's cultural history from Jonah to Moby-Dick, Pinocchio to Free Willy; and seeks to discover why these strange and beautifulanimals continue to exert such a powerful grip on our imagination.A blend of the travel and nature writing in the tradition of Jonathan Raban and John McPhee, The Whale is a gripping voyage into the heart of Hoare's obsession-and ours.

Ver libro

Psychological Analysis - How to...

Adam Sarhan

Conventional wisdom tells us that people are rational and make rational decisions with their money. But that's simply not true considering most people fail to beat the market. Conventional wisdom also tells us that there are two primary ways to approach the market: technical and fundamental analysis. Again, that is not true because if it were, everyone would be rich. It's obvious that something is missing. Author Adam Sarhan, founder and CEO of 50 Park Investments, developed a new approach, titled Psychological Analysis (PA). Coined by the author, PA teaches you how to make rational, not emotional, decisions with your money and shows you how to analyze both the individual and collective market mindset at a particular time based on the behavior and decision-making of people in the real-world. Psychological Analysis is designed to tip the odds of success in your favor.   This invaluable guide helps you: make rational, not emotional, decisions with your money—especially when you are under pressure; understand the psyche of the market so you can learn how to join the Smart Money Circle and consistently take money out; generate above average returns in all market environments; and incorporate Psychological Analysis into your overall trading and investing strategy so you can make smarter decisions on and off Wall Street.

Ver libro

House Divided

John Lorinc, Alex Bozikovic,...

A citizen's guide to making the big city a place where we can afford to live.
Housing is increasingly unattainable in successful global cities, and Toronto is no exception  -  in part because of zoning that protects "stable" residential neighborhoods with high property values.  House Divided  is a citizen's guide for changing the way housing can work in big cities. Using Toronto as a case study, this anthology unpacks the affordability crisis and offers innovative ideas for creating housing for all ages and demographic groups. With charts, maps, data, and policy prescriptions,  House Divided  poses tough questions about the issue that will make or break the global city of the future.

Ver libro