Is Mu Alpha Theta's Problem Solving Text Worth It for Competition Math Prep?

In summary, the conversation discusses a new book called "Count Down" which focuses on the Math Counts program and the math olympics. It also mentions other resources, such as the Polya book and AoPS books, which are helpful for recreational or competition mathematics. The AoPS books contain over 1000 problems from various competitions and a forum for mathematical discussions can be found on their website.
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  • #2
Read the new book Count Down. It's about the Math Counts program and the math olympics and it details the origin of some of these books. These competitions require the contesants to "think outside the box" about math problems and the books are about how to do that. Not the Polya, though. That's an old one by a leading mathematician of his day.
 
  • #3
I have both AoPS books (volumes 1 and 2), and they are very good if you're at all interested in recreational or competition mathematics. They have over 1000 problems from actual competitions (AMC, USAMO, Mandelbrot, MATHCOUNTS, USAMTS, some olympiads), plus lots of examples, and so on.

In other words, good explanations, good problems, good maths.

P.S. Go to http://www.artofproblemsolving.com for more information on the books (including a table of contents) as well as a huge forum for all things mathematical.
 

1. What is "The Art of Problem Solving"?

The Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) is a mathematics curriculum and online learning platform designed to help students develop problem-solving skills and excel in math competitions. It was founded in 1993 by Richard Rusczyk, a former Math Olympiad winner, and has since expanded to offer resources for a variety of subjects including math, physics, computer science, and more.

2. Who is "The Art of Problem Solving" intended for?

AoPS is primarily intended for students who are interested in mathematics and want to improve their problem-solving abilities. It is often used by students preparing for math competitions such as the Math Olympiad, but it can also be beneficial for students who simply want to deepen their understanding of math concepts and improve their critical thinking skills.

3. How does "The Art of Problem Solving" approach problem-solving?

AoPS emphasizes a problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorizing formulas and procedures. It encourages students to think creatively and critically about challenging problems, and provides a variety of resources and tools to support this approach.

4. What resources does "The Art of Problem Solving" offer?

AoPS offers a variety of resources including online courses, textbooks, interactive online tools, and a community forum where students can discuss problems and solutions with peers and experts. They also host math competitions and summer programs for students interested in further developing their problem-solving skills.

5. How can "The Art of Problem Solving" benefit students?

AoPS can benefit students in several ways, including improving their problem-solving abilities, deepening their understanding of math concepts, and building their confidence in tackling challenging problems. It can also help students develop critical thinking skills that are useful in many other areas of study and in their future careers.

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