Ants, Bikes, and Clocks. Problem Solving for Undergraduates
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Author(s): W. Briggs
Publisher: SIAM
ISBN: 0898715741
Format: softback
168pp
Price: $42.00
Review Date: 13 May 2005
Review: The emphasis of this book is on following a two-step process: (1) transform a problem in context (a story problem) into a mathematical problem and (2) use both analytical and computational tools to solve the resulting mathematical problem. It provides plenty of practice for the you to acquaint you with yourself as a problem solver, showing you how to approach problems, how to determine what conditions and strategies work best for you, and to strengthen your problem-solving skills. The book begins with Pólya’s method, which involved a four-step procedure to organize the problem-solving process and goes on to explain how it can be used for computing. Chapters include strategies, exercises, hints and answers.