MATH 476, Putnam Problem Solving

MATH 476, Putnam Problem Solving, Autumn, 2005

BULLETIN DESCRIPTION: Topics include problem solving with emphasis on both oral and written communication. This course prepares students for the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. Students will be required to participate in the competition, which is held annually in early December. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department of Mathematics. Graded S or NC. 1 credit (quarter)

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ken Wiggins, 338 KRH, 527-2088

OFFICE HOURS: 3 M, 2 Tu-Th, 11 F, Other Office hours by appointment

OBJECTIVES: After finishing this course, students should be able solve problems and to organize and effectively communicate mathematical ideas.

SUGGESTED READING:

The William Lowell Putnam Competition 1985-2000, Problems, Solutions and Commentary, Kiran S. Kedlaya, Bjorn Poonen, Ravi Vakil, 2002, The Mathematical Association of America, QA43.W52 2002
Aha! Insight, Martin Gardner, 1978, Scientific American, QA95.G23
How to Solve It, G. Polya, 1957, Princeton University Press, QA11.P6 1957
Putnam Exams: 1985, 1988, 1990, 2003, 2004

CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all classes. In addition, students are expected to give their full attention to the class discussions. Missing more than one class session will result in a grade of NC.

FINAL EXAMINATION: The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition will serve as the final examination.

SUGGESTION: This course has been offered as a noncredit seminar for over 20 years, and it has been offered for credit for only two years. It is still available to all interested students on a noncredit basis without officially registering for the class. In fact, it is expected that the majority of participants will take this class for fun rather than for credit. Only the strongest students will be allowed to take this class for credit.

DISABILITIES: If you have a physical and/or learning disability and require accommodations, please contact your instructor or the Special Services office at 527-2366. This syllabus is available in alternative print formats upon request. Please ask your instructor.