Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning, Volume 1

Reviews / Votes

"Polya . . . does a masterful job of showing just how plausible reasoning is used in mathematics. . . . The material in both volumes is fresh and highly original; the presentation is stimulating, informal, and occasionally humorous; examples from science, legal reasoning, and daily life make the arguments clear even to a nonspecialist. Polya's book is a rare event."---Morris Kline, Scientific American "Professor Polya's beautifully written hook has become a classic."----A. 0. L. Atkin, The Mathematical Gazette "Professor Polya . . . is interested in problem solving and the psychological aspects of mathematical discovery. . . . [These books] should provide many entertaining hours for anyone who cares to pick up the challenge."---Carl Hammer, Journal of the Franklin Institute "Professor Polya presents a forceful argument for the teaching of intelligent guessing as well as proving. . . . There are also very readable and enjoyable discussions of such concepts as the isoperimetric problem and 'chance, the ever-present rival of conjecture.'"---Bruce E. Meserve, The Mathematics Teacher