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How to Solve It

A New Aspect of Mathematical Method
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
How to Solve It by George Polya is a classic work in mathematics education that provides a step-by-step guide for solving mathematical problems. It breaks down problem-solving into four principles: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. Polya's methods are not just for maths but can also be applied to real-life problem-solving.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy mathematical problem-solving and are looking for a structured approach to improving your skills. It offers timeless strategies and a systematic methodology to tackle a variety of problems, making it a favourite amongst students, educators, and enthusiasts of logical thinking.

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How to Solve It

A collection of practical lessons that demonstrates how the true mathematician learns to draw unexpected analogies, tackle problems from unusual angles, and extract information from the data.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

How to Solve It by George Pólya is considered the quintessential guide to mathematical problem-solving, written by one of the most celebrated teachers of the twentieth century. At its core, the book offers a pragmatic yet profound approach to tackling mathematical problems, making it an indispensable resource for students, educators, and anyone fascinated by the subject.

The essence of How to Solve It lies in its unique, tried-and-tested strategies designed to navigate and overcome any mathematical dilemma. Drawing from decades of experience and meticulous analysis, Pólya's methods encourage readers to delve deeper into problem-solving by creating useful analogies, examining problems from unconventional perspectives, and extracting additional information from available data. Far from being a mere exercise in dry deduction, mathematics, as presented by Pólya, transforms into an exhilarating intellectual challenge.

Pólya's approach is meticulously articulated, guiding readers through a series of heuristic methods—from understanding the problem and devising a plan to carrying out that plan and reflecting on the solution. This structured methodology not only enhances problem-solving skills but also fosters a sense of curiosity and excitement about mathematics. The book eloquently conveys that the heart of every mathematical problem is a riddle waiting to be solved and that the journey to its solution can be deeply rewarding.

Having sold more than a million copies worldwide, How to Solve It has left an indelible mark on generations of students and teachers alike. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and the timeless nature of Pólya's insights. By stimulating readers to view mathematics through a fresh lens, this seminal work continues to be the definitive guide to mathematical problem-solving, inspiring new waves of thinkers in the field.

Whether you are a student striving to understand complex concepts, an educator seeking to inspire your charges, or simply a lover of mathematics eager to enhance your problem-solving acumen, How to Solve It provides the tools and techniques to transform your approach to mathematics forever.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

How to Solve It by George Polya is highly praised for providing insightful strategies on problem-solving and critical thinking. Ian Stewart commends it as a product of careful and informed deliberation by a great teacher, while the Guardian lauds it as a superb book that guides readers in developing fresh thought processes.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140124996

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 April 1990

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 202g

Pages: 272

About the Author

George Polya (1887-1985) was a Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University.

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