Challenging Mathematical Problems With Elementary Solutions, Vol. 1

Good exposition of problem and a detailed solution

Good !

This book introduces many advanced techniques in problem solving. In particular, if you are planning to participate in Mathematics Olympiads, this book is a must read. The techniques of problem solving given in this book are amazing. To cite just one example, read the three totally different solutions to Problems 83 and 84 ("Bertrand's Ballot problem" in an equivalent formulation). All solutions are illuminating (in particular, look at the third solution - it uses the technique of illuminating a stair case by parallel beams of light!) - pun intended! The book is a gold mine of ideas - dig in and enjoy!

We, I and my students, really liked the book.It has place in praparing students for participation in mathematical contests. It is good for induvidual work, too.problems are ordered by topic, not by tehnique to be used, and that encourages student`s creativity. Hints, given along whit the complete solutions, help and guide them to the right solution. Also, they allow students to fine a different method of soluiton.

The reviewer below seems rather confused. This book has problems which COULD be solved in a mechanical way, but almost all the solutions given are simple and creative. Futhermore, there are often two solutions given. I find the problems hard, but maybe I am just not very smart. How could this book alter your perception of truth? By giving you knowledge?

It's amazing that so many results that you may have seen in more advanced books proven with more advanced techniques can also be proven with elementary methods. Some of the constructions are amazingly clever. Additionally, the authors take time to highlight the important results in elementary mathematics that are often used in more advanced areas without qualification.

For example the question on ice cream cones and the underlying idea of Bose-Einstein statistics is very clever. I like this book a lot. Be warned, if you're poor at mathematics but enjoy it like myself, this book will be hard but whatever you do don't look at the solutions until you've exhausted every possible solution you can think of or if you're more of a "time" person, spend a minimum of at least 2 hours before you look at a solution, tempting as it is. Treat it like a Putnam or AMC problem.

Questions are very rare beyond school syllabus. Each question is precious and gives additional knowledge about the subject .But number of questions should be increased. Price of this book is much more as compared to number of questions.

Très intéressant, un livre à posséder pour tout amateur d'énigmes. Attention la plupart des problèmes restent inabordables pour les non mathématiciens

Starting with the first problems, there are alternate solutions than the one proposed. Either the book is poorly translated from Russian or it is not well written by Yaglom.