Mathematical Discovery: On Understanding, Learning, and Teaching Problem Solving [Combined Edition]

✍ Scribed by George Polya

• Publisher: WILEY
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 458
• Edition: Combined
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

A unique, heuristic approach to mathematical discovery and problem solving

This combined edition of Mathematical Discovery: On Understanding, Learning and Teaching Problem Solving is unique among mathematics texts. Espousing a heuristic approach to mathematical problem solving, the text may be followed sequentially or according to instructors' individualized curricula. Beginning with a discussion of patterns and practical approaches to problem solving, the book then presents examples from various branches of math and science to help students discover how to solve problems on their own – an invaluable skill for the classroom and beyond.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Title
Foreword
Preface
Hints to the Reader
Contents
Part I: Patterns
1. The Pattern of Two Loci
2. The Cartesian Pattern
3. Recursion
4. Superposition
Part II: Toward a General Method
5. Problems
6. Widening the Scope
Solutions 1-6
Appendix
7. Geometric Representation of the Progress of the Solution
8. Plans and Programs
9. Problems within Problems
10. The Coming of the Idea
11. The Working of the Mind
12. The Discipline of the Mind
13. Rules of Discovery
14. On Learning, Teaching, and Learning Teaching
15. Guessing and Scientific Method
Solutions 7-15
Appendix
Bibliography
Index