"This is a wonderful book, filled with problems and witty solutions, addressed to anyone interested in problem-solving. Elementary mathematics is used so that the reader can focus on the strategy. The reader will enjoy reading this book and trying to find their own strategies to arrive at the solution of the problems proposed."
European Mathematical Society
This book introduces ten problem-solving strategies by first presenting the strategy and then applying it to problems in elementary mathematics. In doing so, first the common approach is shown, and then a more elegant strategy is provided. Elementary mathematics is used so that the reader can focus on the strategy and not be distracted by some more sophisticated mathematics.
Errata(s)
Errata
Sample Chapter(s)
Introduction (71 KB)
Chapter 1: Logical Reasoning (79 KB)
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Contents:
- Logical Reasoning
- Pattern Recognition
- Working Backwards
- Adopting a Different Point of View
- Considering Extreme Cases
- Solving a Simpler Analgous Problem
- Organizing Data
- Making a Drawing or Visual Representation
- Accounting for All Possibilities
- Intelligent Guessing and Testing
Readership: Undergraduates and general public interested in Mathematics.
"I recommend this book to anyone interested in furthering his or her understanding of problem-solving strategies. I would encourage those individuals to read the book, become familiar with the ten strategies, and then spend some time working through the given problems before reviewing the solutions provided because it will most likely offer some new insight and thinking into the problem."
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School
"The problems presented here could be used by teachers to help their students develop problem-solving skills, by students interested in developing their own skills, or by anybody intrigued by mathematics."
Mathematics Teacher
"This is a wonderful book, filled with problems and witty solutions, addressed to anyone interested in problem-solving. Elementary mathematics is used so that the reader can focus on the strategy. The reader will enjoy reading this book and trying to find their own strategies to arrive at the solution of the problems proposed."
European Mathematical Society
"Many of the problems or problem types will be familiar to Gazette readers and some are quite similar to one another. They are attractively presented in a clear, unfussy manner."
Mathematical Gazette