Mathematical Circles  (English, Paperback, S Fomin D. Genkin)

Mathematical Circles were associations of students and teachers of mathematics that were formed to promote interest in studying mathematics among secondary school students.

Summary Of The Book

Mathematics is a subject that does not appeal to all students. In Russia, the Mathematical Circles were a sort of cultural movement that aimed to foster interest in mathematics among school students. These circles were groups of mathematicians, teachers and students. The members of the circles met and discussed mathematical problems. The problems discussed in these camps were designed by mathematicians in such a way as to capture the interest of young students. The Mathematical Circle concept was based on the idea that studying mathematics can be a recreational activity, an activity that could generate as much fun and enthusiasm as a team sport.

Mathematical Circles (Russian Experience) is divided into two parts. The problems in the book are designed for a two year extracurricular course in maths. The first part covers problems for the first year, aimed at younger students, between 10-11 years. The second part contains more complex problems, for older students with a better understanding of mathematical theories and problems. The book uses games and other activities to present mathematical theorems and methods. The same game or activity is sometimes used in various chapters, each time illustrating a different and more advanced concept.

The first part covering the First Year of Education, begins with Chapter Zero. This chapter just assesses the student's skill in mathematics and logic. From the subsequent chapter, seven chapters cover mathematical topics. The eighth chapter is a chapter of problems that test the students on the concepts taught in the first year. The second part, for The Second Year of Education, covers more advanced concepts in nine chapters. This section also ends with a chapter of problems based on the mathematical concepts covered in the previous chapters.

There are three appendix sections. The first section describes the types of mathematical contests that were popular in the former Soviet Union. The second appendix contains solutions or hints and answers to most of the problems in the book. The third appendix provides a list of references used in the book.

Mathematical Circles (Russian Experience) is an interesting resource for teachers, math enthusiasts and students.

About The Authors

Dmitri Fomin is a software engineer.

Dmitri Fomin studied at St. Petersburg State University. He has worked at Citibank in its assets and foreign currency department as an analyst. He is now with the software firm PTC, as the Director of Research and Development.

Sergey Genkin is a software professional.

Sergey Genkin has a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from St. Petersburg State University. He has worked with Lenelektronmash in St. Petersburg, and later at MicroPress, Inc. in New York. He joined Microsoft in 1995. He has been part of the development team in many of the company’s major products like Word, Internet Explorer and Silverlight. He is now a lead software developer at the company.

Ilia Itenberg is a professor.

Ilia Itenberg has written numerous technical papers and articles. He is now a Professor at the Institute of Mathematics of Jussieu.