Mathematical Problem Solving Discussion, will you participate?

The other day Anik proposed me to start a Math Club at IIT. I was not that interested in a formal club but we ended up with a decision.
Nipu and Tajkia were also with us. we decided to have a weekly discussion on Mathematical Problem Solving Strategy in the time of our internship. May be Saturday will fit to most of us.

I have prior experience of discussing the same topic with school students, I believe it will not be very hard for me to run the discussion. However, it entirely depends on the participation. So, are you with us?
The pole is for only yes or no. Reply to the topic for other options.

Do not hesitate to vote "No". We just want to know how many are interested.

Please note that our target is BIT01 students. The schedule will be decided by them. Still, other students are welcome if they want. Also, the pole is open for all.

Please leave a comment if you have voted yes.

BIT0102-Mohaimin wrote:Please leave a comment if you have voted yes.

What if I voted No?

Obviously yes , and that's really a great idea

BIT0122-Amit wrote:

BIT0102-Mohaimin wrote:Please leave a comment if you have voted yes.

What if I voted No?

Then its up to you. We want to know who are interested.

I am a bit confused about "Mathematical problem solving strategy". Can you please elaborate it a bit more? Like, what type of mathematical problem?

I am sorry if this is a stupid question, but I just want to gain a bit more knowledge about it before taking my decision.

ভাই আমি আছি।

BIT0122-Amit wrote:I am a bit confused about "Mathematical problem solving strategy". Can you please elaborate it a bit more? Like, what type of mathematical problem?

I am sorry if this is a stupid question, but I just want to gain a bit more knowledge about it before taking my decision.

Actually, I think that part 'Mathematical problem solving strategy', mostly involves the mathematical approaches towards solving programming problems. We won't discuss about the Ordinary Differential Equations or things like that. Rather, we would discuss about how can we use math and algorithms to solve programming problems.

So, briefly..

Goal: Solving programming problems.
Tools: Math and algorithms (most powerful tools towards achieving that goal).
Discuss: What are these tools and how can we use them.

In my opinion, it is not possible to implement algorithms precisely and efficiently without a certain level of knowledge of math. So we would learn them both.
It was my intent when i talked with mohaimin. So I'm awaiting his response about it.

BIT0104-ANIK wrote:Actually, I think that part 'Mathematical problem solving strategy', mostly involves the mathematical approaches towards solving programming problems.

Agreed except the programming thing.

BIT0104-ANIK wrote:
We won't discuss about the Ordinary Differential Equations or things like that. Rather, we would discuss about how can we use math

Agreed.

BIT0104-ANIK wrote:and algorithms to solve programming problems.

Disagreed.

BIT0104-ANIK wrote:
So, briefly.
Goal: Solving programming problems.

Of course.

BIT0104-ANIK wrote:Tools: Math

Yes.

BIT0104-ANIK wrote:and algorithms (most powerful tools towards achieving that goal).

I dont believe it that way.

BIT0104-ANIK wrote:
Discuss: What are these tools and how can we use them.

Exactly.

BIT0122-Amit wrote:I am sorry if this is a stupid question, but I just want to gain a bit more knowledge about it before taking my decision.

Hei, no question is stupid. Stupid can be the answers. Your question is actually very expected.
Now, I am trying to explain the Term "Mathematical Problem Solving Strategy".

This is entirely a mental thing, and does not specifically linked to any branch of mathematics. It is all about creating a mind set inside you. This topic does not try to teach you mathematics. It teaches you how to approach with a problem. You will surprised to find that a seemingly impossible problem may have a very ordinary solution. Deep knowledge of mathematics does not help you to find that solution, what helps you is some strategies and a mind set.
After six months of discussion with problem solving, you will not possibly find any significant change in your knowledge level of mathematics. But I hope your efficiency will be increased. I mean, you will be able to use the best of the knowledge you have. I am so confident because I have a clear guideline about how to approach with this topic and also have a wonderful reference book: The Art and Craft of Problem Solving. (Sounds familiar?)
Programming contest problems are hardly programming. Its all about mathematics and problem solving. So, I believe this discussion will help us to improve contest performance.

One thing I should clarify, there are many people who things that problem solving cannot be taught. However, there are people who have the opposite idea. I am one of them. Paul Zeitz, the writer of the book I mentioned above, demands that it can be taught. There are great peoples agree with his philosophy. What you believe is up to you.

Mohaimin, I am jealous. Your writings are at the level of classical music. (That's a compliment.) I am in.

BIT0122-Amit wrote:Mohaimin, I am jealous. Your writings are at the level of classical music. (That's a compliment.) I am in.

Taking as ac complement Good that you are convinced.

Yes

Though I voted earlier but did not leave any comment

I'm in too

Hi guys,
Lets start on next Saturday...

Well,I haven't noticed this topic earlier.
There's no reason why one shouldn't participate in this discussion.
I'm in too.

Such an important thing should be appreciated. Lets start it ASAP.

I always love it. Thanks to launch such a discussion.