MA 356-01
Problem Solving Seminar
Spring Quarter 2008-2009
Period 4 on Wednesday
Room G-220
Professor Steve Carlson
Course Description:
This one-credit course provides an opportunity for mathematics-interested students to work with similarly-minded students in solving mathematical problems from a variety of sources and of varying difficulty. In particular, students interested in participating in mathematical problem solving competitions may benefit from the experience.
The course is designed to be a friendly forum in which students present solutions both orally and in writing to problems provided weekly by the instructor. The problems vary in content and difficulty to suit all students' backgrounds, so there is an opportunity for all students to actively participate. The classroom atmosphere is casual, and students are encouraged to enjoy the problem-solving experience rather than become expert mathematicians. All we ask of a student is to show interest and participate in class. There are no tests, just lots of challenging, but fun, problems to solve!
Some of the problems considered will be problems posed for solution in current mathematical journals, whose editors welcome submitted solutions for consideration for publication. If a submitted solution is deemed correct, the submitter's name will be published in the journal and, if deemed the best solution received, the submitter's solution will be published.
This seminar is a good opportunity to obtain one credit and have fun, especially if you can work it into your schedule without having to pay for an overload. Also, any student who wishes to participate without officially enrolling will be welcome! Be sure to read the course information page in the online list of mathematics courses to see details about restrictions on how credit in this course may be applied to a math major or minor.
For a sample of problems used in the winter term problem solving seminar, click on the link below!
Questions? E-mail, call, or visit the instructor:
Steve Carlson
Office: G-307
Phone: 877-8458
E-mail: carlson@rose-hulman.edu