Book Review How to Solve It REVIEWED BY
Book Review: How to Solve It REVIEWED BY: SARTHAK GARG PRESENTED BY: SARTHAK GARG, VIVEK VERMA
About the Book The Book was written by George Polya in 1945. The Book gives an overview on how to tackle any mathematical problem. It does not go into precise solving techniques but rather gives a logical path to solve them. The book gives four guiding principles while solving a problem The first principle: Understanding the problem. The second principle: Devising a plan. The third principle: Carrying out the plan. The fourth principle: Reviewing the solution.
About the book It describes many heuristics, many of which are designed to simplify/reduce a given problem. For example, generalization, specialization, working backwards, etc. The author has also expressed his opinions about the methods of teaching. In his view, the teacher should not give the solution of the problem directly instead he should equip him with the necessary tools for solving the problem and lead him to think on his own.
The highlights The heuristics framework is very nicely explained with the help of some example problems. The problems considered are of high school level and can be comprehended by a large audience. Overall the book provides a good exposure to many problem solving approaches and teaches how to think logically and analytically. The style of writing clear, brilliant and does not lack humor.
Why should one not read it Certain sections of book has repetitions. Much emphasis given on teaching methodology which might be boring for some people. The book is not recommended to people who already have been exposed to the decent amount of problem solving as the example problems given are of very basic level. The book is recommended to students who are about to join undergraduate programs to give them a brief glimpse of problem solving.
Thank You! Questions?
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