The USSR Olympiad Problem Book: Selected Problems and Theorems of Elementary Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics) [Paperback]

D. O. Shklarsky (Author), N. N. Chentzov (Author), I. M. Yaglom (Author), Mathematics (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1993 | Series: Dover Books on Mathematics

Over 300 challenging problems in algebra, arithmetic, elementary number theory and trigonometry, selected from the archives of the Mathematical Olympiads held at Moscow University. Most presuppose only high school mathematics but some are of uncommon difficulty and will challenge any mathematician. Complete solutions to all problems. 27 black-and-white illustrations. 1962 edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 3 Revised edition (September 28, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486277097
• ISBN-13: 978-0486277097
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Nonfiction > Russian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Variety of Mind-Expanding Problems, July 26, 2003

By 

Jeff Barnes - See all my reviews

This review is from: The USSR Olympiad Problem Book: Selected Problems and Theorems of Elementary Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

This book consists of "320 unconventional problems in algebra, arithmetic, elementary number theory and trigonometry." The problems are mathematically accessible to students at the high school level or higher, as they call more upon analytical thinking than upon advanced mathematical techniques. There is a range of difficulties, with harder problems marked with stars in the book. (The hardest problems are marked with double stars.) The problems are divided into twelve sections: "Introductory Problems," "Alterations of Digits in Integers," "The Divisibility of Integers," "Some Problems from Arithmetic," "Equations Having Integer Solutions," "Evaluating Sums and Products," "Miscellaneous Problems from Algebra," "The Algebra of Polynomials," "Complex Numbers," "Some Problems of Number Theory," "Some Distinctive Inequalities," and "Difference Sequences and Sums." Much of the book is devoted to providing hints and solutions, which are both thorough and clear. This is a great resource for preparing for competition, for developing your analytical thinking, or just for having fun (that is, if you are the sort of person who finds solving math problems fun).

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and fun book, February 21, 2006

By 

Dance Ham "Dane Harmon" (Tampa, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The USSR Olympiad Problem Book: Selected Problems and Theorems of Elementary Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

This is a great resource for challenging math problems. After getting annoyed with newspaper "problem of the week" type books, this was a refreshing find. Don't let the "high school level" disclaimer fool you - there are some seriously difficult problems in here.

If you're the type to find logic and math problems fun, I would recommend dropping $15 for this text. It's well worth the time.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good variety of problems, August 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The USSR Olympiad Problem Book: Selected Problems and Theorems of Elementary Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

The reason I am giving 5 stars to this book is for its unique collection of problems. It has been very entertaining reading the book so far (I have not completed the book). There however are a few errors which can be easily figured out by the reader. The treatment of each problem is unique.