Challenging Problems in Algebra - Brossura

Posamentier, Alfred S.; Salkind, Charles T.

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0486691489 ISBN 13: 9780486691480

Casa editrice: Dover Pubns, 1996

Riassunto

Designed for high-school students and teachers with an interest in mathematical problem-solving, this stimulating collection includes more than 300 problems that are "off the beaten path" — i.e., problems that give a new twist to familiar topics that introduce unfamiliar topics. With few exceptions, their solution requires little more than some knowledge of elementary algebra, though a dash of ingenuity may help.
Readers will find here thought-provoking posers involving equations and inequalities, diophantine equations, number theory, quadratic equations, logarithms, combinations and probability, and much more. The problems range from fairly easy to difficult, and many have extensions or variations the author calls "challenges."
By studying these nonroutine problems, students will not only stimulate and develop problem-solving skills, they will acquire valuable underpinnings for more advanced work in mathematics.

Su questo libro

L'autore:

Al Posamentier is currently Dean of the School of Education and Professor of Mathematics Education at Mercy College, New York. He is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Education at The City College of the City University of New York, and former Dean of the School of Education, where he was for 40 years. He is the author and co-author of more than 55 mathematics books for teachers, secondary and elementary school students, and the general readership. Dr. Posamentier is also a frequent commentator in newspapers and journals on topics relating to education.

Alfred S. Posamentier: Math's Champion
Dr. Alfred S. Posamentier, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Education at New York's City College and, from 1999 to 2009, the Dean of City College's School of Education, has long been a tireless advocate for the importance of mathematics in education. He is the author or co-author of more than 40 mathematics books for teachers, students, and general readers including The Fascinating Fibonacci Numbers (Prometheus, 2007) and Mathematical Amazements and Surprises: Fascinating Figures and Noteworthy Numbers (Prometheus, 2009).

His incisive views on aspects of mathematics education may often be encountered in the Letters columns and on the op-ed pages of The New York Times and other newspapers and periodicals. For Dover he provided, with co-author Charles T. Salkind, something very educational and also fun, two long-lived books of problems: Challenging Problems in Geometry and Challenging Problems in Algebra, both on the Dover list since 1996.

Why solve problems? Here's an excerpt from a letter Dr. Posamentier sent to The New York Times following an article about Martin Gardner's career in 2009:

"Teachers shouldn't think that textbook exercises provide problem-solving experiences — that's just drill. Genuine problem solving is what Mr. Gardner has been espousing. Genuine problem solving provides a stronger command of mathematics and exhibits its power and beauty. Something sorely lacking in our society."

Contenuti:

Introduction Preparing to Solve a Problem SECTION I First Year Algebra 1. Posers: Innocent and Sophisticated 2. Arithmetic: Mean and Otherwise 3. Relations: Familiar and Surprising 4. Bases: Binary and Beyond 5. "Equations, Inequations, and Pitfalls" 6. Correspondence: Functionally Speaking 7. Equations and Inequations: Traveling in Groups 8. Miscellaneous: Curiosity Cases SECTION II Second Year Algebra 9. Diophantine Equations: The Whole Answer 10. Functions: A Correspondence Course 11. "Inequalities, More or Less" 12. Number Theory: Divide and Conquer 13. Maxima and Minima: Ups and Downs 14. Quadratic Equations: Fair and Square 15. Systems of Equations: Strictly Simultaneous 16. Algebra and Geometry: Often the Twain Shall Meet 17. Sequences and Series: Progression Procession 18. Logarithms: A Power Play 19. Combinations and Probability: Choices and Chances 20. An Algebraic Potpourri Answers Appendices

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Dover Pubns
• Data di pubblicazione: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0486691489
• ISBN 13: 9780486691480
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 262