TY - BOOK AU - Gardiner, A. TI - Mathematical olympiad handbook : An introduction to problem solving based on the first 32 British mathematical olympiads 1965-1996 T2 - Oxford science publications SN - 0198501056 PY - 1997/// CY - Oxford PB - Oxford University Press KW - Mathematics Competitions KW - Mathematics Problems, exercises N1 - Part I: Background A little useful mathematics Some books for your bookshelf Part II: The problems Background to the problem papers Part III: Hints and outline solutions N2 - "Mathematical Olympiad competitions started in Hungary at the nineteenth century; national Olympiads are now held in over a hundred countries, and there are numerous international events. Olympiads challenge able secondary school pupils to develop their mathematical skills by solving problems. Olympiad problems are unpredictable and have no obvious starting point; although their solution may require little more than ordinary school mathematics, they are definitely 'problems' rather than routine exercises, and this can make them seem rather hard. The Mathematical Olympiad Handbook introduces readers to these challenging problems and aims to convince them that Olympiads are not just for a select minority." "The book contains problems from the first 32 British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) papers 1965-96 and gives hints and outline solutions to each problem from 1975 on wards. An overview is given of the basic mathematical skills needed, and a list of books for further reading is provided. Working through the exercises provides a valuable source of extension and enrichment for all pupils and adults interested in mathematics."--Jacket ER -