How to solve math problems
Jan Mandel
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Keep in mind what the problem is to make sure you are not doing something else. Many problems are solved and proofs done simply by understanding what is what.
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Visualize the problem and the background material from memory,
with your eyes closed. If you are just a little unsure of something, look it up.
It never hurts to return to the basics - even many times.
- Keep returning to the problem and the material and keep it all in the back of your mind as much as possible. Think about it every time when you have a quiet moment.
- When you have done the above, your brain will have something to work on in the background, and eventually an idea will come to you. Execute the idea.
- When you think you are done, examine your solution in detail and justify every step for yourself very carefully. Look up and clarify for yourself everything you are just a little unsure of. Try really hard to prove your solution wrong. Attack it from every angle.
- Repeat until you solve the problem.
- If you solve many problems this way, you will get good at it and get faster. But you must start slow.
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