Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning, Volume II: Patterns of Plausible Inference - Softcover

Polya, G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 069102510X ISBN 13: 9780691025100

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 1990

Synopsis

Here the author of How to Solve It explains how to become a "good guesser." Marked by G. Polya's simple, energetic prose and use of clever examples from a wide range of human activities, this two-volume work explores techniques of guessing, inductive reasoning, and reasoning by analogy, and the role they play in the most rigorous of deductive disciplines.

About this title

Review

"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

About the Author

G. Polya (1887-1985) was Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 069102510X
• ISBN 13: 9780691025100
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 245