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  • © 2013

Thinking in Problems

How Mathematicians Find Creative Solutions

Birkhäuser
  • Introduces key problem-solving techniques in depth
  • Provides the reader with a range of methods that are used in numerous mathematical fields
  • Each self-contained chapter builds on the previous one, allowing the reader to uncover new approaches and prepare creative solutions
  • Corresponding hints, explanations, and full solutions are supplied for each problem
  • The difficulty level for all examples are indicated throughout the book
  • 29k Accesses

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Table of contents (12 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxxvii
  2. Jacobi Identities and Related Combinatorial Formulas

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 1-23
  3. A Property of Recursive Sequences

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 25-28
  4. A Combinatorial Algorithm in Multiexponential Analysis

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 29-35
  5. A Frequently Encountered Determinant

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 37-41
  6. A Dynamical System with a Strange Attractor

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 43-53
  7. Polar and Singular Value Decomposition Theorems

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 55-84
  8. 2 × 2 Matrices That Are Roots of Unity

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 85-105
  9. A Property of Orthogonal Matrices

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 107-137
  10. Convexity and Related Classic Inequalities

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 139-195
  11. One-Parameter Groups of Linear Transformations

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 197-290
  12. Least Squares and Chebyshev Systems

    • Alexander A. Roytvarf
    Pages 319-387
  13. Back Matter

    Pages 389-405

About this book

This concise, self-contained textbook gives an in-depth look at problem-solving from a mathematician’s point-of-view. Each chapter builds off the previous one, while introducing a variety of methods that could be used when approaching any given problem. Creative thinking is the key to solving mathematical problems, and this book outlines the tools necessary to improve the reader’s technique.

The text is divided into twelve chapters, each providing corresponding hints, explanations, and finalization of solutions for the problems in the given chapter. For the reader’s convenience, each exercise is marked with the required background level. This book implements a variety of strategies that can be used to solve mathematical problems in fields such as analysis, calculus, linear and multilinear algebra and combinatorics. It includes applications to mathematical physics, geometry, and other branches of mathematics. Also provided within the text are real-life problems in engineering and technology.

Thinking in Problems is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in the classroom or as a self-study guide. Prerequisites include linear algebra and analysis.

Reviews

From the reviews:

“The problems are enhanced by introductory summaries, overviews of notations and definitions, historical comments, and bibliographic references. The text’s sequential approach will help developing mathematicians both expand their understanding of advanced mathematics and improve their problem-solving abilities … . Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers/faculty.” (J. Johnson, Choice, Vol. 51 (2), October, 2013)

“This marvelous collection of problems represents an interesting and valuable resource for students who prepare various types of mathematics contests. … very strongly recommends this book to all undergraduate and graduate students curious about elementary mathematics. Teachers would find this book to be a welcome resource, as will contest organizers.” (Teodora-Liliana Rădulescu, zbMATH, Vol. 1270, 2013)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Rishon LeZion, Israel

    Alexander A. Roytvarf

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Thinking in Problems

  • Book Subtitle: How Mathematicians Find Creative Solutions

  • Authors: Alexander A. Roytvarf

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-8176-8406-8

  • Publisher: Birkhäuser Boston, MA

  • eBook Packages: Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematics and Statistics (R0)

  • Copyright Information: Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2013

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-8176-8405-1Published: 03 January 2013

  • eBook ISBN: 978-0-8176-8406-8Published: 04 January 2013

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XXXVII, 405

  • Number of Illustrations: 14 b/w illustrations

  • Topics: Algebra, Analysis, Combinatorics

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 64.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access