Math 92.420 -- Mathematical Problem Solving
Spring 2012
Instructor: D. Klain
Lectures: MWF 1:00-1:50pm in Olsen 404
Office Hours: MWF 2pm and by appointment
Office: OH 428N
Text: Zeitz, The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, 2nd ed.
This is course on general methods for solving mathematical problems, with an emphasis
on using elementary methods from all fields of mathematics.
Homework sets will be announced on this page each week.
Problem solving is an activity, and your homework efforts
will account for the most substantial part of your learning, so you should
take the homework very seriously.
Homework assignments will be announced weekly on this page. Check periodically for updates.
You may hand in homework early if you wish. Because we will discuss solutions in class each day that homework
is due, late homework cannot be accepted.
Week #1
Readings: Zeitz, Chapter 1
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Wednesday, February 1.
Week #2
Readings: Zeitz, Sections 6.1, 6.2
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Wednesday, February 8.
Week #3
Readings: Zeitz, Sections 6.2, 6.3, and 3.3
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Wednesday, February 15.
Week #4
Readings: Zeitz, Sections 6.3, 3.3, and 3.2
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Friday, February 24.
Week #5
Readings: Zeitz, Sections 3.2, 3.3 (continued)
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Friday, March 2.
Week #6-7
Readings: Zeitz, Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Monday, March 19.
Week #8
Readings: Zeitz, Sections 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Monday, March 26.
Here are some lecture notes on finite differences: pdf file
Weeks #9-10
Readings: Zeitz, Sections 5.5 and lecture notes (see below)
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Wednesday, April 4.
Here are some lecture notes on inequalities: pdf file
Week #11
Readings: Zeitz, Section 5.5 and lecture notes (continued)
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Wednesday, April 11.
The (same) lecture notes on inequalities are here: pdf file
Week #12
Readings: Zeitz, Section 5.5 and lecture notes (continued)
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Friday, April 20.
The (same) lecture notes on inequalities are here: pdf file
Week #13
Readings: Zeitz, Chapter 7
This problem set is due at the start of class on
Monday, April 30.
Weeks #14+
Readings: Zeitz, Chapter 7
This problem set is due in my office, Olney 428N by 3pm
on Friday, May 11.
My homepage (including contact information) can be found here.