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Teaching mathematics to high-school students, for more than thirty years, I was troubled
by such questions as:
− Can we get rid of the fear of problems, and in general of mathematics?
− Is there a way to enhance our aptitude in problem solving and become more creative?
− What causes more difficulties when we face problems?
After about thirty years of effort, I developed some new problem solving methods. These
methods have been tested many times in class, while teaching high-school students, and were
found to be very effective. They were also rigorously tested using the concepts and methods
of cognitive psychology. At the suggestion of professor J. Greeno of the University of
Pittsburgh, where I was a Fulbright scholar, I wrote a computer program based on my
problem solving ideas, which solved a substantial number of problems automatically.
In this book you will find suggestions and methods that will help you overcome many
difficulties when you solve problems. These methods are given in simple and easy-to-follow
ways, always illustrated by examples. If one example requires mathematical knowledge
beyond your grasp, you can skip it. There is a sufficient variety of examples for you to be able
to comprehend the methods described.
After reading this book, your problem solving skills will have improved appreciably.
Even if you still cannot solve a problem, you will have approached it in refreshing and
exciting ways. |