About this title: A perennial bestseller by eminent mathematician G. Polya, "How to Solve It" will show anyone in any field how to think straight. In lucid and appealing prose, Polya reveals how the mathematical method of demonstrating a proof or finding an unknown can be of help in attacking any problem that can be "reasoned" out - from building a bridge to winning a game of anagrams. Generations of readers have relished Polya's deft - indeed, brilliant - instructions on stripping away irrelevancies and going straight to the heart of the problem. In this best-selling classic, George Polya revealed how the ...
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Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Description: Good. Ships from the UK. Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. Your purchase also supports literacy charities. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Ishi Press
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9784871878302ISBN:4871878309
Description: New. BRAND NEW and ready for dispatch. Delivery normally within 4/7 days. Our reputation is built on our Speedy Delivery Service and our Customer Service Team. read more
Edition: \N
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Ishi Press
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9784871878302ISBN:4871878309
Description: BRAND NEW PAPERBACK. 8.5 by 5 inches. This book is printed on demand [allow 1-2 weeks for printing]. (00280 pages) george polya was a hungarian mathematician. he wrote this, perhaps the most famous book of mathematics ever written, second only to euclid's "elements. " "solving problems, " wrote polya, "is a practical art, like swimming, or skiing, or playing the piano: y lang=english accessory: no accessory (Paperback ) read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date Published: 2004
ISBN-13:9780691119663ISBN:069111966X
Description: Good. --All NEW items are exactly as provided by the publisher. All USED items are in Good condition or better, and copies may contain store stickers, highlighting, etc from normal use by previous owner(s). One-time use supplements (e.g., access codes, tear-out flash cards, reference cards, etc) provided with new copies are NOT guaranteed. --Professional booksellers: inquiries always welcome. read more
Edition: 2d ed.
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Doubleday, Garden City, N.Y.
Date Published: 1957
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Excellent condition. Bought, put on shelf, never read, never used. From my personal collection to you. 1/2 inch tear at top where front cover meets spine. 253 p. 18 cm. Doubleday anchor books, A93.. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr
Date Published: 2004
ISBN-13:9780691119663ISBN:069111966X
Description: New. In lucid and appealing prose, Polya reveals how the mathematical method of demonstrating a proof or finding an unknown can help solve any problem--from building a bridge to winning a game of anagrams. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: ISHI PR
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9784871878302ISBN:4871878309
Description: New. George Polya was a Hungarian mathematician. He wrote this, perhaps the most famous book of mathematics ever written, second only to Euclid's "Elements. " "Solving problems, " wrote Polya, "is a practical art, like swimming, or skiing, or playing the pi... read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Ishi Press
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9784871878302ISBN:4871878309
Description: New. George Polya was a Hungarian mathematician. He wrote this, perhaps the most famous book of mathematics ever written, second only to Euclid's "Elements". "Solving problems", wrote Polya, "is a practical art, like swimming, or skiing, or playing the pia... read more
Description: New. PLEASE NOTE: All books are promptly imported from the UK using DHL or Royal Mail international mail WITH TRACKING NUMBER. Print on demand title. D elivery is typically 5-10 working days. Please do not select expedited shipping. Professional and reliable bookseller (est.1987). read more
Edition: 5th printing
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J.
Date Published: 1948
Description: Fine in fine dust jacket. xv, 204 p. diagrs. 21 cm. Includes Illustrations. Very attractive and neat copy. Tight binding and bright clean contents. Crisp dust jacket has a mild scrunch at the top of the spine panel but is otherwise immaculate. Prior owner name penned neatly to the verso of the front endpage. Splendid early copy; F-/F- read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J.
Date Published: 1945
Description: Very good. No dust jacket. no DJ, boards faded around edges, tight and firm. Corners, edges have minute amounts of wear. xv, 204 p. diagrs. 21 cm. Includes Illustrations. read more
"This book (1944) describes Polya's classic method for problem solving; in steps to understand the problem, devise a plan, carry out the plan, and reflect on the solution. It is written for classroom use and has puzzles, problems, proofs, and proverbs in the back. A great math methods book."
"Polya is a mathematician who wrote this book for math teachers. He discusses techniques for solving problems and for teaching others to solve problems. Most of his examples are from geometry and algebra, but the same techniques can be applied to non-mathematical problems. I found it useful to review explicitly these skills that I've been using instinctively since I learned them in school."
"This is a book I wish I had read at the beginning of grad school. How to Solve It is not as much about methods of solving mathematical problems as it is about various approaches to solving problems in general. The method he uses to teach problem solving is to apply the approaches to problems of geometry. This is actually in line with the ancient greek (Aristotle) opinion that the young should learn geometry first, then when they have learned logic and how to prove things with physical reality, then they can go on to things such as philosophy or politics.
The first part of How to Solve It are essays on how to teach and how to approach problems in general. His view on teaching is leading a student to think. Giving the student problems where the answer is not the goal, but the experience in seeing a new type of problem. This is contrasted with viewing teaching as a series of cookbook or algorithms to be taught. It also means the role of the teacher is to provide the problem, then give only what is necessary to nudge the student in the direction needed for the student to discover the method of solution. And presumably, to be able to develop methods for other problems the student has not seen before. Very much like what graduate school is supposed to be.
The bulk of How to Solve It describes a wide range of approaches to problem solving. Some are familiar to a variety of disciplines such as business, crisis management, or general analysis. Some are more familiar to those in sciences or mathematics. But the illustrations are understandable to anyone past a first or second year of high school mathematics, making them much more understandable then, say, a graduate course in real analysis.
If I was in the position of working with first year graduate students in anything, I would recommend this book as something to read before they arrive on campus. It provides a good first exposure to many problem-solving approaches and an exhortation on how to think logically and analytically, that will suit them well when they are faced with the complicated subject matter that is ahead of them."
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