How to Solve It

How to Solve It (1945) revolutionized mathematical thinking by breaking down complex problem-solving into clear, manageable steps. You'll learn systematic methods for approaching any challenge, from identifying exactly what you're trying to solve to planning your steps and checking your work. These timeless strategies work just as well today for everything from daily decisions to mathematical proofs, making this enduring classic as relevant now as when it was first published.

• Students seeking to improve problem-solving skills
• Professionals wanting to enhance critical thinking
• Mathematicians exploring cognitive approaches to problem-solving

George Polya was a Hungarian mathematician who taught at Stanford University and made significant contributions to various areas of mathematics, including probability and complex analysis. Other enduring titles of his include Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning and Mathematical Discovery, which together with How to Solve It form his influential trilogy on mathematical pedagogy. He received numerous honors for his work, including the Lester R. Ford Award and the American Mathematical Society’s award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics.