How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method Princeton Science Library: Amazon.co.uk: G. Polya: Books

Review

Every prospective teacher should read it. In particular, graduate students will find it invaluable. The traditional mathematics professor who reads a paper before one of the Mathematical Societies might also learn something from the book: 'He writes a, he says b, he means c; but it should be d.' -- E. T. Bell, Mathematical Monthly

[This] elementary textbook on heuristic reasoning, shows anew how keen its author is on questions of method and the formulation of methodological principles. Exposition and illustrative material are of a disarmingly elementary character, but very carefully thought out and selected. -- Herman Weyl, Mathematical Review

I recommend it highly to any person who is seriously interested in finding out methods of solving problems, and who does not object to being entertained while he does it. -- "Scientific Monthly

Any young person seeking a career in the sciences would do well to ponder this important contribution to the teacher's art. -- A. C. Schaeffer, American Journal of Psychology

Every mathematics student should experience and live this book -- "Mathematics Magazine

Product Description

A perennial bestseller by eminent mathematician G. Polya, How to Solve It will show anyone in any field how to think straight.

In lucid and appealing prose, Polya reveals how the mathematical method of demonstrating a proof or finding an unknown can be of help in attacking any problem that can be "reasoned" out--from building a bridge to winning a game of anagrams. Generations of readers have relished Polya's deft--indeed, brilliant--instructions on stripping away irrelevancies and going straight to the heart of the problem.

In this best-selling classic, George Pólya revealed how the mathematical method of demonstrating a proof or finding an unknown can be of help in attacking any problem that can be "reasoned" out--from building a bridge to winning a game of anagrams. Generations of readers have relished Pólya's deft instructions on stripping away irrelevancies and going straight to the heart of a problem. How to Solve It popularized heuristics, the art and science of discovery and invention. It has been in print continuously since 1945 and has been translated into twenty-three different languages.

Pólya was one of the most influential mathematicians of the twentieth century. He made important contributions to a great variety of mathematical research: from complex analysis to mathematical physics, number theory, probability, geometry, astronomy, and combinatorics. He was also an extraordinary teacher--he taught until he was ninety--and maintained a strong interest in pedagogical matters throughout his long career. In addition to How to Solve It, he published a two-volume work on the topic of problem solving, Mathematics of Plausible Reasoning, also with Princeton.

Pólya is one of the most frequently quoted mathematicians, and the following statements from How to Solve It make clear why: "My method to overcome a difficulty is to go around it." "Geometry is the science of correct reasoning on incorrect figures." "In order to solve this differential equation you look at it till a solution occurs to you."

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33 of 35 people found the following review helpful

A wonderful introduction to problem solving. 22 Mar 2000

By S R Scott

Format:Paperback

I have had a love affair with Mathematics for over forty-five years. This little book was one of the first books to awaken that interest - my edition on my bookshelf is dated 1957!

George Polya had the reputation of a very great teacher and inspirer of students of mathematics as well as making original contributions of his own. I recommend it to any young person (or anyone)as an excellent introduction to mathematical thinking.

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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful

The classic on HOW to approach maths problems 13 Jun 2001

By C. R. Long VINE™ VOICE

If ever I get stuck trying to approach a novel problem, I dip into Polya. His heuristic method has much wider applicability than just mathematics.

Buy this book for any young person who shows an interest in mathematics. I feel it will contribute to their mathematical development

If your on a mathematics degree course read this book from cover to cover and you wont regret it. 30 Oct 2011

By mathmo

I have been into maths for 14 years now and I wish I had have read this book before I went to uni.Firstly, lets state the obvious, this book doesn't tell you what you must do to solve all mathematical problems because that would obviously imply all mathematical problems have core similarities which of course they don't. What this book does give you through the use of examples and the prose of Polya, who was a teaching GENIUS, is guidance on how you can become, through a combination of practice, character(yes your character as well as how you feel affects your success to solve problems, duh, this is an aspect in success of problem solving that is totally ignored in modern mathematical education), common sense, intelligence, back ground knowledge, perseverance and the skilled application of his heuristic list a killer problem solver. Seriously, if your on a maths course at uni and you integrate this book and this man into your mathematical education you WILL become a vastly better problem solver. When you finish this READ HIS OTHER BOOKS.