Algebra Through Problem Solving

This is a practical anthology of some of the best elementary problems in different branches of mathematics. Arranged by subject, the problems highlight the most common problem-solving techniques encountered in undergraduate mathematics. This book teaches the important principles and broad strategies for coping with the experience of solving problems. It has been found very helpful for students preparing for the Putnam exam.

Over 300 unusual problems, ranging from easy to difficult, involving equations and inequalities, Diophantine equations, number theory, quadratic equations, logarithms, more. Detailed solutions, as well as brief answers, for all problems are provided.

Drawing on rich classroom observations of educators teaching in China and the U.S., this book details an innovative and effective approach to teaching algebra at the elementary level, namely, "teaching through example-based problem solving" (TEPS). Recognizing young children's particular cognitive and developmental capabilities, this book powerfully argues for the importance of infusing algebraic thinking into early grade mathematics teaching and illustrates how this has been achieved by teachers in U.S. and Chinese contexts. Documenting best practice and students' responses to example-based instruction, the text demonstrates that this TEPS approach - which involves the use of worked examples, representations, and deep questions - helps students learn and master fundamental mathematical ideas, making it highly effective in developing algebraic readiness and mathematical understanding. This text will benefit post-graduate students, researchers, and academics in the fields of mathematics, STEM, and elementary education, as well as algebra research more broadly. Those interested in teacher education, classroom practice, and developmental and cognitive psychology will also find this volume of interest.

The Science Education Team at Los Alamos National Laboratory provides access to the full text of the electronic book entitled "Algebra Through Problem Solving," written by Abraham P. Hillman and Gerald L. Alexanderson. The text is available in PDF format.

Fascinating approach to mathematical teaching stresses use of recreational problems, puzzles, and games to teach critical thinking. Logic, number and graph theory, games of strategy, much more. Includes answers to selected problems. Free solutions manual available for download at the Dover website.

Problem-solving is an art central to understanding and ability in mathematics. With this series of books, the authors have provided a selection of worked examples, problems with complete solutions and test papers designed to be used with or instead of standard textbooks on algebra. For the convenience of the reader, a key explaining how the present books may be used in conjunction with some of the major textbooks is included. Each volume is divided into sections that begin with some notes on notation and prerequisites. The majority of the material is aimed at the students of average ability but some sections contain more challenging problems. By working through the books, the student will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts involved, and practice in the formulation, and so solution, of other problems. Books later in the series cover material at a more advanced level than the earlier titles, although each is, within its own limits, self-contained.

The matter is presented in a manner which is well within capacity of undergraduate students to understand. The book is divided into ten chapters, each containing brief explanations of concepts and formulae relevant for the problem set that follows. Moreover, the hints and solutions given for each question have very student-friendly features that will help students in their efforts to study the subject independently.