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How to Solve It (1945)

math.utah.edu

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Re: How to Solve It (1945)

#3

Post by sverona »

Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning, in two volumes also by Polya, is the closest thing I've ever found to an explanation of how a working mathematician goes about her business. It has exercises, too. Great fun when I was in undergrad.

Re: How to Solve It (1945)

#5

Post by 3abiton »

sverona wrote: post #3

Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning , in two volumes also by Polya, is the closest thing I've ever found to an explanation of how a working mathematician goes about her business. It has exercises, too. Great fun when I was in undergrad.

Any recommendations of similar books?

Re: How to Solve It (1945)

#6

Post by js2 »

Ah yes, just four steps:

1. Understand the problem.

2. Devise a plan.

3. Carry out the plan.

4. Look back.

---

Compare with the Fenyman Algorithm:

1. Write down the problem.

2. Think real hard.

3. Write down the solution.

https://wiki.c2.com/?FeynmanAlgorithm

(The discussion on FeynmanAlgorithm links back to Polya's book since not everyone is Feynman.)

Re: How to Solve It (1945)

#7

Post by i_am_a_peasant »

3abiton wrote: post #5
sverona wrote: post #3

Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning , in two volumes also by Polya, is the closest thing I've ever found to an explanation of how a working mathematician goes about her business. It has exercises, too. Great fun when I was in undergrad.

Any recommendations of similar books?

How to Prove it is pretty nice

Re: How to Solve It (1945)

#8

Post by ergocoder »

I read it and it doesn't help much.

What helps with solving problems like math and algorithmic problems is to go through a lot of problems to see different patterns and strategies of solving problems. I'm talking about going through thousands of problems. That is very effective.

Re: How to Solve It (1945)

#9

Post by rahimnathwani »

ergocoder wrote: post #8

I read it and it doesn't help much. What helps with solving problems like math and algorithmic problems is to go through a lot of problems to see different patterns and strategies of solving problems. I'm talking about going through thousands of problems. That is very effective.

This is consistent with a sentence on page 1 of the book:

'The student should acquire as much experience of independent work as possible.'

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