Challenging Mathematical Problems With Elementary Solutions, Vol. 1

Rating:
Summary: One of a few
Review: I've read the Russian original of this book. It is wonderful. I really enjoyed it, and often used the ideas I found there to solve other problems. Highly recommended, espesially for the high school students unterested in mathematics, but extremely interesting for anybody who likes math.

Rating:
Summary: Simply excellent
Review: It's amazing that so many results that you may have seen in more advanced books proven with more advanced techniques can also be proven with elementary methods. Some of the constructions are amazingly clever. Additionally, the authors take time to highlight the important results in elementary mathematics that are often used in more advanced areas without qualification.

Rating:
Summary: Difficult, but fun, problems.
Review: The reviewer below seems rather confused. This book has problems which COULD be solved in a mechanical way, but almost all the solutions given are simple and creative. Futhermore, there are often two solutions given. I find the problems hard, but maybe I am just not very smart. How could this book alter your perception of truth? By giving you knowledge?

Rating:
Summary: Mechanical versus Wise
Review: Understanding is to understand and from that derive sequences of logical reasoning. While this kind of problem solving books merely stiffens one's (well, at least my) creativity and affects my perception of truth. Not worth reading if you are this kind of people.