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        riddles >> putnam exam (pure math) >> Math H90
        
(Message started by: william wu on Aug 26^th, 2002, 10:05pm)

Title: Math H90
Post by william wu on Aug 26^th, 2002, 10:05pm

I am currently taking Math H90 this semester, taught by William Kahan (of floating point fame). The class is titled Putnam Exam Preparation, but I believe it's really about learning to solve hard problems, using Putnam problems as a medium. The Putnam Exam is a notoriously difficult mathematical competition that only United States undergraduates can compete in.

Dr. Kahan chooses problems for us very carefully. He looks for problems with good didactic value. Also, sometimes there exist very clever solutions. I plan to post these problems as I get them; the course just started today and I am exploring these problems just as freshly as you are.

The class does not have any formal grading scheme. He just wants us to try hard. I want to solve problems more cleverly, and strengthen my mathematical background. Your insights will be very helpful along the way.

Title: Re: Math H90
Post by Yournamehere on Aug 29^th, 2002, 4:06pm

on 08/26/02 at 22:05:12, william wu wrote:

The Putnam Exam is a notoriously difficult mathematical competition that only United States undergraduates can compete in.

Technically, the Putnam is open to Canadians as well.

Title: Re: Math H90
Post by william wu on Sep 3^rd, 2002, 6:59pm

Oh. Didn't know that. Hmm they should let Mexicans compete too.