Mathematics 107.1
Mathematical Problem Solving
Fall 2009
M 3:30-4:30 (Adams 208)
Instructor: Dr. Raymond Greenwell
Office: 100C Adams Hall, 463-5573
E-mail: matrng@hofstra.edu
Home: (516) 705-6575
Fax: (516) 463-6596
Web page: http://people.hofstra.edu/rgreenwell
Office Hours: M 1:55-3:25, WF 1:55-2:50 (Adams 100C); M 6:00-7:30 (Republic Hall lounge)
or by appointment or whenever you can catch me.
Text: Problem-Solving Through Problems, by Loren C. Larson
The objective of this course is to learn to solve challenging mathematical problems, such as those on the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. You will be required to write up solutions to problems assigned in class (or partial solutions if you do not completely solve a problem). You will also be asked to present solutions in class. There will be no in-class exams, but you are required to take the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition to be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you cannot take the exam on Saturday for religious reasons, please let me know right away, and special arrangements will be made. Your grade will be based on your effort and success in solving problems.
The prerequisite or corequisite for this course is Math 73 or 114.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Policy on Academic Honesty (p. 50 of the Hofstra University Undergraduate Bulletin 2008-2009).
If you have any concerns regarding a physical, psychological and/or learning disability that may have an impact upon your performance in this course, appropriate accommodations can be made on an individualized, as-needed basis after the needs, circumstances and documentation have been evaluated by the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. All disability-related information will be kept confidential.
Learning Goal: Students will apply analytical reasoning across academic disciplines.
Learning Goal: Mathematics majors will be able to learn and explain mathematics on their own.
| Date | Section | Topic |
| M 9-14 | 1.1 | Search for a pattern |
| M 9-21 | 1.2 | Draw a figure |
| W 9-30 | 1.3 | Formulate an equivalent problem |
| M 10-5 | 1.4 | Modify the problem |
| M 10-12 | 1.5 | Choose effective notation |
| M 10-19 | 1.6 | Exploit symmetry |
| M 10-26 | 1.7 | Divide into cases |
| M 11-2 | Review of previous years' Putnam competitions | |
| M 11-9 | Review of previous years' Putnam competitions | |
| M 11-16 | Review of previous years' Putnam competitions | |
| M 11-23 | Review of previous years' Putnam competitions | |
| M 11-30 | Review of previous years' Putnam competitions | |
| M 12-7 | Recaptulation of this year's Putnam competition |
"Where mathematical reasoning can be had, it's as great a folly to make use of any other, as to grope for a thing in the dark, when you have a candle standing by you." John Arbuthnot (1667-1735)