Suggestions for fun problem-solving type books

In summary, the conversation is about recommendations for a book containing unconventional Physics and Maths problems at the pre-university to undergrad level. The speaker is looking for something similar to Professor Povey's Perplexing Problems, which includes alternative solutions and background information for each question, as well as a mix of mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity. Some suggestions given are "Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering" and the Schaums Outline series.
  • #1
etotheipi
I was just looking to see if anyone knew of a book pitched at the pre-university to undergrad level which contains slightly more unconventional Physics/Maths problems, but is not as formal as some of the old warhorses like Irodov.

Something similar to what I'm looking for would be Professor Povey's Perplexing Problems, since I also liked how it spent a lot of time discussing alternative solutions and background for each of the questions. And that the questions were not exclusively mechanics, but there was also a bit of thermodynamics and electricity thrown in. Some of the problems given here are also of a similar style.

Thanks a bunch!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org

1. What are some good problem-solving type books for adults?

Some popular problem-solving type books for adults include "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman, and "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey.

2. Are there any problem-solving type books that are suitable for children?

Yes, there are many problem-solving type books that are suitable for children. Some examples include "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss, "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires, and "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds.

3. Can you recommend any problem-solving type books for beginners?

For beginners, "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, "The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking" by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird, and "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale are all great options.

4. Are there any problem-solving type books that focus on a specific topic or industry?

Yes, there are many problem-solving type books that focus on specific topics or industries. For example, "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen focuses on disruptive innovation in business, while "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman focuses on design and usability.

5. Can you recommend any problem-solving type books that incorporate interactive activities?

Some problem-solving type books that incorporate interactive activities include "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey, "The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, and "The Game of Life and How to Play It" by Florence Scovel Shinn.

Similar threads

Classical Which problem book to do for Physics Olympiad?
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
4
Views
3K
Classical How to use Kleppner and Kolenkow and how to employ problem solving?
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
13
Views
2K
Other What are some sources of recommendations for Math books?
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
1
Views
1K
Intro Physics Looking for a book that can help with conceptual understanding of elctromagnetism and electro magnetic devices
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
5
Views
1K
I Book suggestions for classical thermodynamics
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
6
Views
765
Other Books about interpretation and philosophy of physics
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
8
Views
1K
Atomic Solved problems book on high resolution microscopy?
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
1
Views
928
Fun, Beautiful Maths book recommendations
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
4
Views
1K
Book with undergrad-level olympiad type problems
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
7
Views
3K
Other Books for Problem-Solving Skills (i.e. Putnam)
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
6
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top