MCS200 - Problem solving
Fall 2005
The value of a problem is not so much coming up with the answer
as in the ideas and attempted ideas it forces on the would be solver.
I. N. Herstein, quoted in Out of the
Mouths of Mathematicians, by R. Schmalz.
Course Description:
This is a course about mathematical problem solving. We will develop
strategies, tactics and tools for solving recreational and contest mathematics
problems. Each week we will go over old contest problems. About an
hour and a half will be spent trying to solve some problems, and the last
half-hour will be spent discussing them. The goals of the course are to
have fun, learn how to approach problems when you don't know which mathematical
tools are needed, and to prepare for college mathematics contests. Guiding
principles.
You are welcome to come any week whether or not you are registered for
the course.
Grading:
For those taking the course for a grade, there are three requirements for
a grade of A:
-
Attend regularly. You can miss up to two meetings.
-
Participate in at least one competition.
-
Get addicted to at least one hard problem during the semester (i.e., spend
the good part of a week working on it), and be prepared to present your
thoughts on the solution of the problem to the group.
-
Write up the solution to one Putnam problem.
This year's intercollegiate mathematics competitions.
All of the following events are on Saturdays.
-
NCS/MAA mathematics team competition
-
November 12, 8:45am-noon, Olin
-
A regional 3-person team contest
-
The Putnam
-
December 3, 9am-noon and 2pm-5pm, Olin
-
National individual effort competition.
-
Konhauser
Problemfest
-
tba
-
A regional team competition that is a lot of fun. Completed in the morning,
graded over lunch, and awards made in the early afternoon.
Links of interest:
Last modified: September 13, 2005