Problems that beset Archimedes, Newton, Euler, Cauchy, Gauss, Monge and other greats, ready to challenge today’s would-be problem solvers. Among them: How is a sundial constructed? How can you calculate the logarithm of a given number without the use of logarithm table? No advanced math is required. 100 problems with proofs.
A book collecting the celebrated problems of elementary mathematics that would commemorate their origin and, above all, present their solutions briefly, clearly, and comprehensibly has long seemed a necessary and attractive task to the author.
The restriction to problems of elementary mathematics was considered advisable in view of those readers who have neither the time nor the opportunity to acquaint themselves in any detail with higher mathematics. Nevertheless, in spite of this limitation a colorful and compelling picture has emerged, one that gives an idea of the amazing variety of mathematical methods and one that will-I hope-enchant many who are interested in mathematics and who take pleasure in characteristic mathematical thought processes. In the present work there are to be found many pearls of mathematical art, problems the solutions of which represent, in the achievements ofa Gauss, an Euler, Steiner, and others, incredible triumphs of the mathematical mind.