Description: An introduction to the techniques used by mathematicians to solve problems. Skills such as Externalization (pictures and charts), Visualization (associated mental images), Simplification, Trial and Error, and Lateral Thinking learned through the study of mathematical problems. Problems drawn from combinatorics, probability, optimization, cryptology, graph theory, and fractals. Students will be encouraged to work cooperatively and to think independently.

This class will not have lists and lists of equations to solve and formulas to memorize. The idea of this class is to teach you how to become good problem solvers. Most of the work you will do in this class should be fun and engaging!

Textbook: PProblem SSSolving, by DeFranco and Vinsonhaler, 2^nd Edition. (The text is available for sale at the UConn bookstore.)

Syllabus: Math 1020Q Syllabus Fall 2019