Secret Formula

<p><b>The legendary Renaissance math duel that ushered in the modern age of algebra</b> <p/><i>The Secret Formula</i> 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. <p/>Set against the backdrop of sixteenth-century Italy <i>The Secret Formula</i> 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. <p/>A lively account of genius betrayal and all-too-human failings <i>The Secret Formula</i> reveals the epic rivalry behind one of the fundamental ideas of modern algebra.</p>