Strategies of Problem Solving - Softcover

Nogin, Maria S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1491298421 ISBN 13: 9781491298428

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013

Synopsis

Note: the second edition of this book is now available. Solving mathematical problems is both a science and an art. It is a science because we need to learn some basic concepts and skills, and use proper terminology when explaining our solution to other people. It is also an art because very often we need to be creative. There are infinitely many types of math problems, and it is impossible to learn how to solve every problem in the world. However, there are a few basic principles that are good to know. There are a few approaches and methods that are often useful. In this book, we discuss some of them, including various types of proofs, the pigeon hole principle, the principle of mathematical induction, invariants, coloring, etc. In each chapter, we provide basic definitions and facts to get you started. We do not prove most of the facts given in this book, since our main goal is to learn how to solve problems, i.e. use these facts. They are usually proved in other college courses such as abstract algebra and analysis. Sometimes, however, the idea of a proof of a theorem can be used for solving many problems. In such cases we provide the proof. The book contains over 300 problems on various topics and detailed solutions of approximately half of them. This book is primarily intended for college students and mathematics teachers. Most chapters are accessible to middle and high school students as well. It would especially be helpful for those competing in mathematics contests and wishing to improve their problem solving skills.

About this title

About the Author

Maria Nogin is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at California State University, Fresno. She received her B.A. degree in Mathematics in 1998 from Moscow State University in Moscow, Russia, and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Univeristy of Rochester in Rochester, NY. The author's passion is solving mathematics problems as well as teaching problem solving.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1491298421
• ISBN 13: 9781491298428
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 150