First Steps for Math Olympians: Using the American Mathematics Competitions (MAA Problem Book Series) - Hardcover

Faires, J. Douglas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 088385824X ISBN 13: 9780883858240

Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America, 2006

Synopsis

A major aspect of mathematical training and its benefit to society is the ability to use logic to solve problems. The American Mathematics Competitions have been given for more than fifty years to millions of students. This book considers the basic ideas behind the solutions to the majority of these problems, and presents examples and exercises from past exams to illustrate the concepts. Anyone preparing for the Mathematical Olympiads will find many useful ideas here, but people generally interested in logical problem solving should also find the problems and their solutions stimulating. The book can be used either for self-study or as topic-oriented material and samples of problems for practice exams. Useful reading for anyone who enjoys solving mathematical problems, and equally valuable for educators or parents who have children with mathematical interest and ability.

About this title

Product Description

Techniques for solving problems from the American Mathematics Competitions, essential reading for anyone interested in logical problem solving.

Review

'Within each chapter, three well-chosen examples illustrate a variety of problem-solving strategies and applications of concepts. The examples are followed by ten exercises, graduated in difficulty so that nearly every student reader will be able to solve at least one problem easily and nearly every reader will struggle with at least one. The thoughtful choice of examples and exercises is one of the book's strengths, providing a wealth of opportunity for students to become experienced problem solvers within a remarkably small number of pages.' David Wells, Penn State University

'Professor Faires has prepared an impressive problem solving primer. The book presents a wide variety of problems and problem solving strategies, and illustrates how the American Mathematics Competitions can be used to develop many important mathematical techniques.' Richard Gibbs, Fort Lewis College

Edition details

• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 088385824X
• ISBN 13: 9780883858240
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 325