Status
Available
Collection
Publication
(1992)
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.
User reviews
LibraryThing member EmreSevinc
After more than 50 years, Polya's advice on tackling problems is still worth reading. But be warned, this is not the latest, brightest, trendiest, best-selling "problem solving book" out there that target MBAs or a kind of personal self-development book. Its author had contributed to important
If you're a young but eager student who faces problems in math (or in natural sciences), a person trying to solve some puzzles or practical problems, or a researcher about to start a long and unguaranteed journey in order to solve a big problem then you owe yourself to have this classic on your bookshelf, or better on your table.
I'd like to quote some important passages from the book but last time I checked my notes they are about as long as the book. So maybe it is better to let Polya do the talking...
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fields of mathematics and he had been through many problems, many difficulties, many students and many different questions by those students. If you're a young but eager student who faces problems in math (or in natural sciences), a person trying to solve some puzzles or practical problems, or a researcher about to start a long and unguaranteed journey in order to solve a big problem then you owe yourself to have this classic on your bookshelf, or better on your table.
I'd like to quote some important passages from the book but last time I checked my notes they are about as long as the book. So maybe it is better to let Polya do the talking...
Show Less
LibraryThing member AtrixWolfe
One of the best instructional books on mathematics, and on education itself.
LibraryThing member hanzoganz
An excellent approach on how to solve mathematical problems.
LibraryThing member wrk1
Polya wrote this little book for teachers of elementary mathematics, but his clear thinking and writing make his explanation of problem solving useful in many fields.
Even better is his explanation of how to teach by asking questions that lead students toward the answers, but demanding they find
Even better is his explanation of how to teach by asking questions that lead students toward the answers, but demanding they find
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the answers for themselves with what they already know. Show Less
LibraryThing member Razinha
I'm not sure how I missed this all these years - might have come in handy 40 years ago. Excellent problem solving approaches. Filing away for reference in case someone needs it.
I'm glad I saw a reference to it in The Organized Mind.
I'm glad I saw a reference to it in The Organized Mind.
LibraryThing member aevaughn
This work gives an excellent overview of his method and ends with some non-traditional problems to work with solutions. His heuristic dictionary has interesting portions but does not form coherent approach being written in alphabetical order. It is a useful collection of tips and hints for working
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through problems generally. Show Less
LibraryThing member andycyca
[5 out of 5] My only regret is that I must return this book to the library. This is one of those rare books I recommend to pretty much anyone who has to deal with problem solving.
Not just mathematical problems, though. Polya writes an excellent case for the way we all should approach problems. It's
Not just mathematical problems, though. Polya writes an excellent case for the way we all should approach problems. It's
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not a formula, rather a scaffolding for thought, strategies for learning and teaching, reflections on successful solving and common pitfalls. If you want to think like a scientist, this is an excellent start, whether you have a science degree/background or not Show Less
LibraryThing member gottfried_leibniz
I came across this book as a result of my entry into Mathematics. If you have read enough Philosophy and question your own assumptions, ideas, you'll find the ideas in this book are repetitive. I would recommend this book to someone who wants to know basic problem-solving skills.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
Deus Vult,
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Gottfried
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LibraryThing member mykl-s
Polya was more general than I would have liked, without a lot of examples that related to what I was trying to learn.
The best lesson i learned from this work was to first try to understand the problem before slogging into it with some random sort of method.
The best lesson i learned from this work was to first try to understand the problem before slogging into it with some random sort of method.
Original publication date
1945
ISBN
0691023565 / 9780691023564