The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition: Problems and Solutions 1965–1984 (MAA Problem Book Series) [Paperback]

Gerald L. Alexanderson (Editor), Leonard F. Klosinski (Editor), Loren C. Larson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2004

The Putnam Competition has since 1928 been providing a challenge to gifted college mathematics students. This book, the second of the Putnam Competition volumes, contains problems with their solutions for the years 1965-1984. Additional solutions are presented for many of the problems. Included is an essay on recollections of the first Putnam Exam by Herbert Robbins, as well as appendices listing the winning teams and students from 1965 through 1984. This volume offers the problem solver an enticing sample of challenging problems and their solutions. In 1980, the MAA published the first William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition book, covering the contest from 1938 to 1964. In 2002 the third of the Putnam problem books appeared, covering the years 1985 through 2000. All three of these books belong on the bookshelf of students, teachers, and all interested in problem solving.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The Putnam Competition has since 1928 been providing a challenge to mathematics students. This book contains problems with their solutions for the years 1965-1984. It offers an enticing sample of challenging problems and their solutions and belongs on the bookshelf of students, teachers, and all interested in problem solving.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America (October 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883854635
• ISBN-13: 978-0883854631
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 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: #559,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of William Lowell Putnam Book, June 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, Problems and Solutions, 1965-1984 (Hardcover)

This book has the problems and solutions to the Putnam contest from 1965-1984. The editors/authors have taken time to carefully put this book together.

The solution to each problem is given, and often times, more than one solution is given. The solutions presented are generally concise and elegant (and correct, of course) - in other words, they are mathematically well written.

The book also gives the results - the names of the top five individuals and the top five teams for each year. Also given with each solution is the number of contestants among the top 250 or so who scored 10 points (a perfect score), 9 points, 8 points, ... 1 point - this is useful in estimating the degree of difficulty of the problem.

I didn't find any typos, errors, etc. The editors have done a good job with the book.