Math Exercises the Brain: Stanford Entrance Math Test and Solutions

Author: (USA) George Polya (USA) John Kilpatrick Lu Zhu Jia
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: The second part of the book, as the annual selection test for students with special mathematical talent at Stanford University, was carefully designed to inspire interest in mathematics among middle school students, teachers, and even the broader society. The content does not exceed the current middle school teaching syllabus in China. However, these problems are quite different from the conventional exercises in textbooks. They require flexible application of knowledge and creativity, rather than mechanical memorization of formulas. Therefore, both teachers and students can gain what they should from this book. To better understand the Polya model, the "How to Solve It" table in the book has been translated and included as an appendix. Readers will notice that the underlined phrases in the hints for the problem set are derived from the "How to Solve It" table. Before tackling the problems, readers are encouraged to read the appendix to see what inspiration or help it might offer. For teachers, it might be beneficial to delve deeper into G. Polya's other classic works.