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The Art and Craft of Mathematical Problem Solving
The Art and Craft of Mathematical Problem Solving Author:Paul Zeitz A problem, unlike an exercise, is a question that one does not know, at the outset, how to approach. This is what makes mathematical problem solving so important, not only for mathematicians, but also for lifelong learners. The purpose of this course is 4-fold: To gain a knowledge of valuable problem-solving strategies and tactics; to become a b... more »etter investigator and solver of problems; to become familiar with key examples of "folklore" mathematics that illustrate problem-solving ideas as well as stand on their own as beautiful intellectual adventures; and to gain exposure to the larger cultural context of problem solving. The first 6 lectures explore fundamental strategies. Thereafter, strategies are combined with an array of problem-solving tactics to explore progressively more challenging problems, culminating in 4 lectures of especially sophisticated problem solving.« less