Customer Reviews

Challenging Mathematical Problems With Elementary Solutions, Vol. 1

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's amazing that so many results that you may have seen in more advanced books proven with more advanced techniques can also be proven with elementary methods. Some of the constructions are amazingly clever. Additionally, the authors take time to highlight the important results in elementary mathematics that are often used in more advanced areas without qualification.

The reviewer below seems rather confused. This book has problems which COULD be solved in a mechanical way, but almost all the solutions given are simple and creative. Futhermore, there are often two solutions given. I find the problems hard, but maybe I am just not very smart. How could this book alter your perception of truth? By giving you knowledge?

We, I and my students, really liked the book.
It has place in praparing students for participation in mathematical contests. It is good for induvidual work, too.

problems are ordered by topic, not by tehnique to be used, and that encourages student`s creativity. Hints, given along whit the complete solutions, help and guide them to the right solution. Also, they allow students to fine a different method of soluiton.

Understanding is to understand and from that derive sequences of logical reasoning. While this kind of problem solving books merely stiffens one's (well, at least my) creativity and affects my perception of truth. Not worth reading if you are this kind of people.