Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Problem Solving: An Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

Book Details

• Author: Marilyn A. Reba

• Brand: CRC Press

• Edition: 1

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 608

• Release Date: 15-12-2014

• EAN: 9781482227536

• Package Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.2 x 1.5 inches

• Languages: English

About The Book
Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Problem Solving: An Introduction to Mathematical Thinking by Marilyn A. Reba offers a creative and engaging approach to teaching mathematics, specifically designed for liberal arts students. This book introduces basic mathematical principles using puzzles, paradoxes, and decision-making problems, fostering critical thinking skills.

The text is structured into five units, covering topics such as graphs, logic, probability, voting, and cryptography, with discussions on related areas like operations research, game theory, number theory, combinatorics, statistics, and circuit design. The content progresses from recreational problems to significant real-world applications, making it highly relevant for non-science and non-technical majors.

What sets this textbook apart is its unified approach, connecting diverse topics with common strategies, algorithms, and solution methods. It requires no prior mathematical knowledge, making it accessible to all students and encouraging a deep appreciation of mathematical thinking. Through its creative and practical applications, students will improve their quantitative literacy and enhance their problem-solving abilities.