HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE

Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City

Bachelor of Arts (AB)

Area: Mathematics

COURSE OUTLINE

Seminar in Problem Solving in Mathematics

I. Course Number: Math 30 Credit: 3 units

II. Course Title: Seminar in Problem Solving in Mathematics Pre-Requisite:

III. Course Description:

This course introduces the different types and levels of problem solving and
various strategies for investigation. Some fundamental tactics in solving are also
discussed. Techniques such as looking for a pattern, working backwards, solving a
simpler problem, parity mental tactics in solving are also discussed. Techniques
such as looking for a pattern, working backwards, solving a simpler problem, parity,
pigeonhole principle, mathematical induction, and symmetry will be studied. The use
of graphing calculators and computer algebra systems is highly encouraged;
pigeonhole principle, mathematical induction, and symmetry will be studied. The use
of graphing calculators and computer algebra systems is highly encouraged.

IV. Course Objectives:

At end of the course, the student should be able to:

Cognitive (Knowledge):1. acquire knowledge on the different types and levels

of problem solving and various strategies in solving
mathematical problems.
Affective (Attitude): 1. apply the different techniques in solving mathematical
problems.
Psychomotor (Skills):1. appreciate the beauty of mathematics through creating
problems in which they could make use of the
different techniques in problem solving.

V. Course Outline No. of Hours

A. Subject/Course Orientation 2

B. Levels of Problem Solving 13

1. Mountaineering Analogy
2. Recreational Problems

C. Strategies for Investigation 13


1. Psychological Strategies
2. Methods of Argument
3. Other Strategies

D. Fundamental Tactics 13
1. Symmetry
2. Pigeonhole Principles
3. Others

E. Special Topics
1. Graph Theory 7
2. Algebra 6
__
Total 54

VI. References

A. Web Resources

Arthur Engel. Problem Solving Strategies (Problem Books in

Mathematics)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/03872191/ref=pd sxp elt
I1/t/002-7200940-4079202

Loren C. Larson. Problem-Solving Through Problems (Problem Books

in Mathematics )
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/038790803Xref=pd
sim books 1/t/002-7200940-4079202?v=glance&s=books

Steven George Krantz. Techniques of Problem Solving

http://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Techniques_of_Problem_
Solving.html?id=ZuCOcD7zVIwC&redir_esc=y

Titu Andreescu, Razvan Gelca, Mark Saul. Mathematical Olympiad

Challeges
http://www.amazon.com/exec.com/obidos/tg/detail/-
/08176415556/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/t/002-7200940-
4079202?v=glance&s=books&st

Edward Lozansky, Cecil Rousseau. Winning Solutions (Probem Books

in Mathematics)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0387947434/ref=pd
pym rvi 1/t/002-7200940-4079202

G. Polya . How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method

(Princeton Science Library)

http://www.amazon.com/How-Solve-It-Mathematical-
Princeton/dp/069111966X/ref=pd_sim_b_2

Joseph D.E. Konhauser, Dan Velleman, Stan Wagon. Which Way Did
the Bicycle Go? And Other Intriguing Mathematical Mysteries
(Dolciani Mathematical Expositions)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-
/0883853256/qid=1057672535/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/t/002-
720094079202?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Edward J. Barbeau, Murray S. Klamkin, William O.J. Moser. Five

Hundred Mathematical Challenges (Spectrum)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0883855194/ref=rp_sxp
_elt_I1/t/002-7200940-4079202