
Problem-Solving Through Problems
Loren C. Larson(Author)
Springer (Publisher)
Published on 8. August 1983
Book
Hardback
XI, 352 pages
978-0-387-90803-8 (ISBN)
Description
This is a practical anthology of some of the best elementary problems in different branches of mathematics. Arranged by subject, the problems highlight the most common problem-solving techniques encountered in undergraduate mathematics. This book teaches the important principles and broad strategies for coping with the experience of solving problems. It has been found very helpful for students preparing for the Putnam exam.
Reviews / Votes
From the reviews: "This is a very welcome addition. The main message of the book is that the only way to learn to solve problems is to solve problems! I found this book very helpful. I am quite sure the book will be in constant use and I have no hesitation in recommending it." (The Mathematical Gazette)More details
Series
Edition
1983
Language
English
Place of publication
NY
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Research
Illustrations
11 s/w Abbildungen
11 black & white illustrations, biography
Dimensions
Height: 23.5 cm
Width: 15.5 cm
Weight
660 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-387-90803-8 (9780387908038)
DOI
10.1007/978-1-4612-5498-0
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions


Content
1. Heuristics.- 1.1. Search for a Pattern.- 1.2. Draw a Figure.- 1.3. Formulate an Equivalent Problem.- 1.4. Modify the Problem.- 1.5. Choose Effective Notation.- 1.6. Exploit Symmetry.- 1.7. Divide into Cases.- 1.8. Work Backward.- 1.9. Argue by Contradiction.- 1.10. Pursue Parity.- 1.11. Consider Extreme Cases.- 1.12. Generalize.- 2. Two Important Principles: Induction and Pigeonhole.- 2.1. Induction: Build on P(k).- 2.2. Induction: Set Up P(k + 1).- 2.3. Strong Induction.- 2.4. Induction and Generalization.- 2.5. Recursion.- 2.6. Pigeonhole Principle.- 3. Arithmetic.- 3.1. Greatest Common Divisor.- 3.2. Modular Arithmetic.- 3.3. Unique Factorization.- 3.4. Positional Notation.- 3.5. Arithmetic of Complex Numbers.- 4. Algebra.- 4.1. Algebraic Identities.- 4.2. Unique Factorization of Polynomials.- 4.3. The Identity Theorem.- 4.4. Abstract Algebra.- 5. Summation of Series.- 5.1. Binomial Coefficients.- 5.2. Geometric Series.- 5.3. Telescoping Series.- 5.4. Power Series.- 6. Intermediate Real Analysis.- 6.1. Continuous Functions.- 6.2. The Intermediate-Value Theorem.- 6.3. The Derivative.- 6.4. The Extreme-Value Theorem.- 6.5. Rolle's Theorem.- 6.6. The Mean Value Theorem.- 6.7. L'Hôpital's Rule.- 6.8. The Integral.- 6.9. The Fundamental Theorem.- 7. Inequalities.- 7.1. Basic Inequality Properties.- 7.2. Arithmetic-Mean-Geometric-Mean Inequality.- 7.3. Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality.- 7.4. Functional Considerations.- 7.5. Inequalities by Series.- 7.6. The Squeeze Principle.- 8. Geometry.- 8.1. Classical Plane Geometry.- 8.2. Analytic Geometry.- 8.3. Vector Geometry.- 8.4. Complex Numbers in Geometry.- Glossary of Symbols and Definitions.- Sources.