Challenging Problems in Algebra

by Alfred S. Posamentier and Charles T. Salkind

Book Overview

Designed for high-school students and teachers with an interest in mathematical problem-solving, this stimulating collection includes more than 300 problems that are "off the beaten path" -- i.e., problems that give a new twist to familiar topics that introduce unfamiliar topics. With few exceptions, their solution requires little more than some knowledge of elementary algebra, though a dash of ingenuity may help.
Readers will find here thought-provoking...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486691489
• ISBN13: 9780486691480
• Release Date: May 1996
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A stimulating set of non-routine algebra problems.

This text contains non-routine algebra problems, their answers, some of their solutions, and a set of appendices covering results that are useful in solving the problems. By non-routine, I mean that the problems require insight and, in some cases, ingenuity to solve. The authors presume that you have acquired strong algebra skills and ask you to use those skills to solve unfamiliar problems. The level of difficulty of the problems is similar to those in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC), which is not surprising since Charles T. Salkind was the editor of the American High School Mathematics Examination (AHSME), now the AMC, from its inception in 1950 until his death in 1968. Unlike the problems in those competitions, these are not multiple-choice questions. While many of the problems in this text are similar to mathematics competition problems in which a numerical answer or an algebraic expression is sought, others require you to write a proof or investigate an algebraic relationship. Working through these stimulating problems and reading the solutions that the authors provide will expand your algebra skills and extend your knowledge of the subject. The problems draw upon topics covered in elementary, intermediate, and advanced algebra courses. They are grouped, somewhat loosely, by topic. The topics include equations and inequalities; systems of linear equations; arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic means; relations and functions; maxima and minima; the relationship between algebra and geometry; sequences and series; logarithms; combinatorics and probability; non-decimal bases; number theory; and Diophantine equations. While rational expressions crop up occasionally, they are not explored in any depth. Some of the problems include extensions or variations labeled "Challenges." Despite the name, the Challenges are not usually more difficult than the problem with which they are associated. Some problems explore topics of interest in higher mathematics. A knowledge of calculus enables you to find simpler solutions to some of the problems than those provided by the authors in the solution key, but it is not strictly necessary. The problems are generally well-posed. However, it was not always clear from context when the authors meant integer or natural number (positive integer) when they used the word integer. When I found a problem unclear (which was not often), it was usually attributable to an implicit assumption. However, there was one problem in which the authors used the phrase "divided by" rather than "divided into," making the problem impossible to solve. Answers are provided to the problems for which a numerical solution or algebraic expression is sought in a section at the back of the book. This gives you an opportunity to check your work before reading the solutions the authors provide. Most, but not all, of the answers are correct. In some cases, there is a discrepancy between the answer provided in the answ

good, bit difficult

The book was a bit harder than i thought, however a little extra challenge is never too bad. Has some proofs, some logic problem solving. The reason i rated this 4 is because of where everything is placed in the book. After you solve the problem, u have to go to another page to see the answer, or if you dont enderstand the problem, u have to dig in the book to see where its solution is.

Good book - questions range from easy to difficult, solutions are very helpful.

This is the opinion of a math teacher, who bought this book for self-improvement. It's a good book and I sure reccomend it. If you are a teacher you will find out that the questions vary, from very easy, to medium and difficult. Mathematics Olympiad-type questions are a little scarce. So if you're looking for an upper level you could always buy it together with "Mathematical Olympiad Challenges" by Titu Andreescu. Still, the easiest questions fit the stronger students very well, and the harder ones can be very helpful for teachers. Also, the solutions are very well written.

Fun stuff

I do math for fun, but I only like to do problems that are, well, PROBLEMS, and not just exercises. That's what this book is, a book of unique, nonroutine problems in algebra. While I've taken courses in AP Calculus and Statistics and such, I find that the problems contained in this little book re-open the avenues of precalculus mathematics and show the reader/solver what the math teachers and AP and all that jazz never could: problems that require insight, ingenuity, and diligence. Solving each problem in this book is a joy! There's always something new to be learned with each problem, even if you don't succeed. Anyway, yeah, the problems are great, the solutions lucid, and the price dirt cheap. If you want to challenge your math ability, then buy this book and spend a good amount of time doing the problems. If you want to just do well in algebra class, please redirect yourself to the Schaum's "Algebra" guide for more routine, classroom work.

A good resource for math teams and algebra teachers

While this book is obviously a good resource for math teams (and apparently the audience towards which the book is geared), the book is also useful for teachers of regular algebra classes. While some of the problems are considerably beyond the grasp of all but the most gifted students, others lie more reasonably on the more challenging side of what "average" students are capable of. Solving these problems really encourages students to mentally stretch more than the average story problems in a textbook, and the level of achievement students feel after solving one is truly gratifying. I've found these problems to be especially good for small group work or "team" competitions.