Customer Reviews

The Mathematical Olympiad Handbook: An Introduction to Problem Solving Based on the First 32 British Mathematical Olympiads 1965-1996 (Oxford Science Publications)

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This book has proven: The olympiad problems are not so hard as they appears. For every problem, there is a valuable solution outline ,teaching us how to attack it in a natural way. Furthermore, here is a good list of reference books.

The last time I competed in a mathematical competition was in elementary school. So when I recently picked up and tried to solve some old Olympiad and Putnam questions I was dumbfounded, to say the least. Then I discovered "The Mathematical Olympiad Handbook." This book is an excellent intro to problem solving. It is an immense help in dealing with the frustration of problems that will not yield. No solutions are given-- only outlines to the solutions(which you should only read part of if you get stuck, as the outlines will easily lead to a solution). This structure was an excellent choice as it gives novice problem solvers a chance to solve problems on their own with a little help if they need it. Highly recommend!

[people new to problem solving should also check out "The Art and Craft of Problem Solving" by Paul Zeitz]

The best way to study for exams is to work through old exams and the various Mathematical Olympiad competitions are no exception. This book begins with a brief explanation of the background mathematics considered essential for the Olympiad competitions. After this there is a complete list of all the problems that have appeared in the first round of the first 32 British Mathematical Olympiad competitions. The years covered are 1965 - 1996. While the solutions are labeled as "hints and outlines", they are thorough enough so that it would be a rare occasion for any reader to continue to feel stumped after reading them.
This book is also an excellent resource for any other mathematics competition at this level as well as some of the introductory courses in an undergraduate math program. Some of the problems are challenging to say the least; however in the true spirit of the Mathematical Olympiad, once demonstrated, in most cases the solution is clear.

A very good problem book for training mathematical olympiad.

I teach students, a mathematical olympic team, and this book will help them to get the training they need in order to have more medalls and achievements in their carreers. It has everything they need to do their exams and practice.