divide your

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2 columns

Layout
for Notes
left column: right column:
main material reflections

Solving Math Problems

Get Find Make a Plan Reflect
Started Representations & carry it out

collect & Basic Useful Basic Types Important Find New Gather & Use reflect on the way
organize Ideas Ideas Ideas of Proof Principles Approaches Information
data
what is the conflict?
look at collect introduce notation build a "planning tree" direct proof analogy basic principle: use solved problems where is the
simpler several draw diagrams by asking induction 1. choose objects
confusion?
cases representations "How can I do this?" look at 2. modify objects use their results
algebraic several times transposition similar problems 3. oberserve results what can
look at start with most use their methods
contradiction you do?
special promising one collect several what to modify
b-adic induction use relevant theorems do something!
cases alternative approaches construction
factorisation,
look at primes exhaustion infinite descent problem objects use general ----------------
extreme start with most math concepts
probabilistic proof guess & check correctness proved?
cases organize data promising approach functions,
combinatorial extremes numbers, correctness evident?
break down use wishful thinking: complex numbers
in tables sets... ----------------
the problem make the problem nicer nonconstructive symmetry graphs
unknown
into parts in diagrams... use forward search visual proof invariance data working without aim
generating functions
check exploit use backward search computer-assisted conditions working without plan
...
definitions symmetries monovariance representations errors in
invariants talk to others carrying out the plan
modularisation plan
geometric lack of reflection
stepwise
approximation how to modify directly / via mail
---------------------
coordinate:
cartesian, polar, Fubini Principle use the internet check lists of errors
substitute, replace
cylindrical... parity
combine with math encyclopedias reflect at the end
choice of origin The Box Principle other elements
develop math communities
inclusion & exclusion reverse, rearrange what worked?
mental images accessing literature
opposites eliminate what didn't work?
generalisation exchange use books use results
specialisation adapt, alter elsewhere
+ scripts, books, use methods
variation add formularies elsewhere
recursion minimize, maximize
colouring break down
Persist Stay Functional
randomisation into parts
work on for just 15 minutes talk to people change of approximate
eat / drink... perspective combine with
...and repeat this brute force other ideas
exercise, physical activity
use coping self talk greedy algorithm
breathe deeply and calmly what to look at
remember previous successes use a computer
take a break
imagine the work done constant vs. variable symmetry
sleep
parameters patterns
work in a new setting - change! extremes
music - amke or listen
limits
nonmath activity
data
math activity in another domain
invariants
flood yourself with new ideas
details -
more or less of them
parity