ABSTRACT

Lateral Solutions to Mathematical Problems offers a fresh approach to mathematical problem solving via lateral thinking. Lateral thinking has long been used informally by good mathematics teachers and lecturers to spice up their material and interest their students in the more artistic aspects of mathematical problem solving. In this book, the author attempts to carry out this process formally, with reference to specific, non-technical problems that are easily understood and explained at an intermediate level.

This book is appropriate for interested high school students, undergraduates and postgraduates, looking for relief from technical material and also looking for insight into the methodology of mathematics; for teachers and lecturers looking for a novel approach to course material; and anyone interested in both mathematics and lateral thinking.

part I|30 pages

Problems

chapter 21|2 pages

Number Theory

chapter 2|2 pages

Primes and Divisibility

chapter 3|2 pages

Geometry

chapter 4|2 pages

Trigonometry

chapter 5|2 pages

Probability

chapter 6|2 pages

Combinatorics

chapter 7|4 pages

Dissections

chapter 8|4 pages

Matchsticks and Coins

chapter 9|2 pages

Logic

chapter 10|2 pages

Maxima and Minima

chapter 11|2 pages

Calculus and Analysis

chapter 12|2 pages

A Mixed Bag

part II|78 pages

Solutions

chapter 321|6 pages

Number Theory

chapter 2|6 pages

Primes and Divisibility

chapter 3|6 pages

Geometry

chapter 4|6 pages

Trigonometry

chapter 5|6 pages

Probability

chapter 6|8 pages

Combinatorics

chapter 7|8 pages

Dissections

chapter 8|6 pages

Matchsticks and Coins

chapter 9|4 pages

Logic

chapter 10|6 pages

Maxima and Minima

chapter 11|8 pages

Calculus and Analysis

chapter 12|6 pages

A Mixed Bag