Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This book provides a wide variety of mathematical problems for teenagers and students to help stimulate interest in mathematical ideas outside of the classroom. Problems in the text vary in difficulty from the easy to the unsolved, but all will encourage independent investigation, demonstrate different approaches to problem-solving, and illustrate some of the famous dilemmas that well-known mathematicians have attempted to solve. Helpful hints and detailed discussions of solutions are included, making this book a valuable resource for schools, student teachers, and college mathematics courses, as well as for anyone fascinated by mathematical ideas.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• 1 Problems for Investigation
• 2 Approaches to Problem Solving
• 3 Problems Based on Famous Topics in the History of Mathematics
• 4 A Selection of Elementary Problems Treated by Eminent Twentieth-Century Mathematicians

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Here is a fine collection of problems and solutions drawn from elementary mathematics, especially geometry and number theory. Intended for mathematically motivated secondary school students, these problems should be a significant challenge to many undergraduates. Chapter 2 is particularly concerned with problem solving strategies. These problems are carefully arranged according to the sort of idea necessary for the solution; Cofman emphasizes the general principles students should reap from each solution. The problems in Chapter 3 are drawn from famous topics in the history of mathematics and those in Chapter 4 were considered by eminent mathematicians of this century. Although some problem books verge on the recreation, Cofman wants to steer students toward important mathematics. Recommended. D. V. Feldman University of New Hampshire