Book recommendations for making guesses, estimates, inferences

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the book "Street Fighting Mathematics: The Art of Educated Guessing and Opportunistic Problem Solving" by Sanjoy Mahajan, published by MIT Press. This book emphasizes techniques such as dimensional analysis, symmetry in variables, and numerical estimations to make educated guesses in solving physics and math problems. Participants express a desire for similar undergraduate-level books that focus on practical examples and techniques, particularly in physics. Additionally, Mahajan offers an online course on edx.org that complements the book's content.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dimensional analysis
  • Familiarity with symmetry in mathematical variables
  • Basic knowledge of numerical estimation techniques
  • Interest in physics problem-solving methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research additional books on educated guessing in mathematics and physics
  • Explore online courses related to "Street Fighting Mathematics" on edx.org
  • Investigate "Engineering Insights" by Sanjoy Mahajan for further learning
  • Study practical applications of dimensional analysis in real-world problems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and professionals in mathematics and physics who seek to enhance their problem-solving skills through educated guessing techniques.

Terry Bing
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I came across this book 'Street fighting Mathematics, The art of educated guessing and opportunistic problem solving' , by Sanjoy Mahaan, published by MIT press. The book talks about how we can guess some property of the solutions of a number of physics and math problems without actually solving them rigorously, e.g. using dimensional analysis, symmetry in variables, making numerical estimations, etc. I really enjoyed the book (or at least the parts I went through, had numerous insights). Can anyone recommend a similar book, at an undergraduate level? I would like to see more such examples and techniques. Maybe more physics oriented.
 
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I enjoyed the book as well. He also did a course by the same name, on edx.org
He wrote another book about Engineering Insights. I have not picked it up, yet.
 
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