How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical MethodA 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. |
Contents
PART I IN THE CLASSROOM | 1 |
PART II HOW TO SOLVE IT | 33 |
PART III SHORT DICTIONARY OF HEURISTIC | 37 |
PART IV PROBLEMS HINTS SOLUTIONS | 233 |
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Common terms and phrases
altitude analogous problem analogy analysis angle Archimedes argument auxiliary element auxiliary problem base better center of gravity conclusion condition connection consider construction course definition derive desirable discuss Draw a figure edge equation essential Euclid's Elements examine example fact foregoing formerly solved problem formula frustum geometry given guess heuristic reasoning hypothesis important indirect proof induction introduce invention know a related length look MATHEMATICAL INDUCTION mathematical problems means median planes method numbers object obtain octahedron original problem PAPPUS parabola parallelepiped parallelogram perimeter plane geometry plausible possible present prime prob problem to find problem to prove procedure progress proposed problem questions and suggestions reader reductio ad absurdum related problem restate result right triangle satisfied side signs simpler analogous solid geometry solution sort sphere square step straight line student syllogism teacher tetrahedron theorem tion try to think vertex vertices wish word