Preparing for the Putnam Exam: Finding the Right Book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books to prepare for the Putnam Exam, focusing on resources suitable for beginners and those interested in mathematical problem-solving. The scope includes suggestions for study materials and insights into the nature of the exam.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, a freshman, seeks recommendations for books to prepare for the Putnam Exam, expressing a willingness to start early.
  • Another participant references a previous thread where they suggested a book by an author named Larson.
  • A participant notes the difficulty of the Putnam Exam, describing it as motivating for math enthusiasts and mentions resources available on the Kalva Demon and American Math Competition sites.
  • A suggestion is made for "Problems and Theorems in Analysis" by G. Pólya and G. Szegő as a good book for Putnam-level preparation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single recommended book, with multiple suggestions and references to previous discussions. The difficulty of the exam is acknowledged, but no definitive agreement on the best preparatory material is established.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference prior threads, indicating a potential overlap in discussions about book recommendations. The specific criteria for what makes a book suitable for preparation are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for the Putnam Exam, particularly those new to advanced mathematics or seeking guidance on study materials.

amcavoy
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I will be a freshmen next fall and am interested in taking the Putnam, even if I won't do very well. Can someone suggest a good book I can begin working out of now so I can prepare?

Thanks.
 
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didn't you start a thread like this or reply in one?
anyways i already stated a book in that thread. Author Larson
 
neurocomp2003 said:
didn't you start a thread like this or reply in one?
anyways i already stated a book in that thread. Author Larson
Ahh ok thanks. I haven't been keeping up with that thread so I guess I missed it.

Thanks
 
the putnam is very difficult exam, the problems are very motivating for the motivated math enthuisists though. All the years can be found at kalva demon as well as on american math competition site.
 
Good Putnam level book

Problems and Theorems in Analysis by G. P[itex]\dot{o}[/itex]lya and G. Szeg[itex]\ddot{o}[/itex], volumes I and II
 

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