Hungarian Problem Book III: based on the Eötvos Competitions 1929-1943 (Anneli Lax New Mathematical Library) (Bk.3) [Paperback]

Andy Liu (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2001 | Series: Anneli Lax New Mathematical Library (Book 42)

This book contains the problems and solutions of a famous Hungarian mathematics competition for high school students, from 1929 to 1943. The competition is the oldest in the world, and started in 1894. Two earlier volumes in this series contain the papers up to 1928, and further volumes are planned. The current edition adds a lot of background material which is helpful for solving the problems therein and beyond. Multiple solutions to each problem are exhibited, often with discussions of necessary background material or further remarks. This feature will increase the appeal of the book to experienced mathematicians as well as the beginners for whom it is primarily intended.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This book contains the problems and solutions of a famous Hungarian mathematics competition for high school students. There are multiple solutions to each problem, often with discussions of background material or further remarks. This will widen the appeal of the book beyond the beginners for whom it is primarily intended.

About the Author

Andy Liu was born in mainland China. He received his Ph.D. in mathematics and Graduate Diploma in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta, where he is now a full professor of mathematical sciences. Andy Liu has received numerous awards for teaching including the Rutherford Award for Undergraduate Teaching from the University of Alberta, The 1998 Canadian University Professor of the Year Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, a Teaching Fellowship from Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing, and the David Hilbert International Award from the World Federation of National Mathematics Competitions. . As a protégé of world-famous problemist Murray Klamkin, he has been deeply involved in the International Mathematical Olympiad Competitions. He has served both as deputy leader of the USA team, and leader of the Canadian Team. He has translated and edited Chinese Mathematical Competitions: (1981--1993}.

Product Details

• Paperback: 163 pages
• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America (May 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883856441
• ISBN-13: 978-0883856444
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,330,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent problems from the national high school competition, August 15, 2001

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hungarian Problem Book III: based on the Eötvos Competitions 1929-1943 (Anneli Lax New Mathematical Library) (Bk.3) (Paperback)

Given the number of distinguished mathematical luminaries who originated in Hungary, as a nation it probably leads the world in per capita production of mathematics papers. Such success is indicative of how a society values learning. The Eotvos Mathematics Competition is the oldest high school mathematics competition in the world, having begun in 1894. Mathematicians all over Hungary propose problems, from which a final three are selected. In October, the participants sit down for four hours and attempt to solve as many as possible. The students can bring any books or notes that they wish, but calculators and computers are not allowed. Criteria for the selection of the exam problems are that they require only high school mathematics, but that they be unusual enough so that the students are required to think through pathways to solutions that would not be found in standard texts.
The problems in this book are from the years 1929 through 1943, the last before the second world war caused a two year postponement of the contest. The forty five problems are first listed in chronological order and are then grouped according to the categories: combinatorics, number theory, algebra and two sets of geometry problems. After the problems of the category are listed, there are several pages of primer material followed by detailed solutions to the problems of that category. In many cases more than one solution to the problem is given.
This is an excellent set of problems that can be used in many different ways, from more detailed problems in precalculus math to the teaching of proof techniques. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in finding problems that will challenge students without requiring the use of the theorems of calculus.

Published in Mathematics and Computer Education, reprinted with permission.