Math 4802, Mathematical Problem Solving

Fall 2009

• Instructor: Matt Baker
• Time and place: Tu 3:05 - 4:55, Skiles 254
• E-mail: mbaker@math.gatech.edu.
• Office: 212 Skiles
• Office Hours: Tuesday 2-3, Wednesday 3-4
• Course text: "Problem Solving Through Problems" by Loren C. Larson (Springer Problem Books in Mathematics)
• Putnam exam: This year's Putnam Examination will be held on Saturday, December 5 from 10am-6pm in College of Computing (CoC) Room 17.

Files available for downloading: (pdf format)

• Problem Set #1: Inversion
• Problem Set #2: Geometry
• Problem Set #3: Induction
• Problem Set #4: Pigeonhole Principle
• Problem Set #5: Infinite Series
• Problem Set #6: Part A of the 1997 Putnam Exam
• Practice Putnam Exam
• Problem Set #6: Number Theory
• Problem Set #7: Inequalities
• Problem Set #8: Probability
• Problem Set #9: Invariants and Monovariants
• Problem Set #10: Calculus
• Problem Set #11: Periodicity

Prerequisites:

None.

Course outline:

This course is intended to teach mathematical problem-solving skills, and to prepare students to take the Putnam Examination.

Grading Policy:

The class will be available on a pass/fail only basis, except under special permission from the instructor. To receive a passing grade, enrolled students will be required to take the Putnam Exam, to show up regularly for and participate in class, and to make an effort to solve a number of homework problems during the course of the semester.

Useful links:

• The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition
• The MAA's Putnam directory
• Dave Rusin's Putnam page
• The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition 1985-2000: Problems, Solutions, and Commentary (book)
• Problem Solving Through Problems (required book)
• Problem Solving Strategies (optional book)

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  This page was last modified on November 17, 2009 by Matt Baker.