Announcement: Putnam Seminar
Fall 2009
Aug 31 How to do your best:
  1. Understand the problem using examples.
  2. If a certain method you tried does not seem to work, explain why you think so.
  3. If a certain method you are about to try seems to work, explain why you think so.
  4. If a certain method seems to work but you were unable to finish, neatly summarize what you have so far.
  5. Try to write down a series of statements which you think it's true, and lead to a solution.
  6. Do not do all of the above one hour before the seminar, but spread it over the entire week.
  7. At some point, think outside the box.
  8. If you got nothing, just work out more examples or execute some brute force calculations.

Summary: Do something about it!
Aug 31 Submitting hw is not required, but you may turn them in, and Dr. chang will be happy to read and comment on your solutions. Other participating faculty members are welcome to share ideas with others; please, write it down on a piece of paper, and put it in my box, and I will upload it here as scanned images. Remember that the joy of solving problems are maximized when the crucial ideas are formed by the solver. I encourage you to do your best, first, on forming solid ideas. Then, you may consult someone else's here if you feel you need one.