First Steps for Math Olympians: Using the American Mathematics Competitions

Problem Books

by J. Douglas Faires

A major aspect of mathematical training and its benefit to society is the ability to use logic to solve problems. The American Mathematics Competitions have been given for more than fifty years to millions of students. This book considers the basic ideas behind the solutions to the majority of these problems, and presents examples and exercises from past exams to illustrate the concepts. Anyone preparing for the Mathematical Olympiads will find many useful ideas here, but people generally interested in logical problem solving should also find the problems and their solutions stimulating. The book can be used either for self-study or as topic-oriented material and samples of problems for practice exams. Useful reading for anyone who enjoys solving mathematical problems, and equally valuable for educators or parents who have children with mathematical interest and ability.

Genres: Mathematics

325 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2006

About the author

Faires earned a bachelor’s degree from YSU in 1963 and returned in 1969 to join the mathematics faculty, retiring in 2006.

He received numerous honors, including five YSU Distinguished Faculty awards and an Honorary Doctor of Science from YSU. He was a driving force behind the establishment of the YSU Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics.

Reviews

[Antonino Sota]

The most beautiful things of math which should be taught at school for interested olympians.
Elementary math at its best