Review of "Ants, Bikes & Clocks: Problem Solving for Undergraduates", by William Briggs

Probably, most of the students who have taken (or will take) undergraduate courses based on the so-called exact sciences have faced (or will face at some point) the terror of being unable to solve some of the proposed problems or exercises, despite having a good theoretical knowledge of the topic. Basically, you may know the equations, you may understand the mathematical passages, you may have a grasp on the physical meaning of the equations and yet sometimes you are unable to get past the problem's enunciate! Unfortunately, this inability to solve problems often leads to frustration. And this feeling of helplessness starts a vicious circle, as the incapability of solving some problems results in diminished motivation to study and, as a consequence, more difficulties in solving future problems. Surely, problem solving is an important and complex aspect of our education; however it is frequently overlooked by teachers. For this reason, a book aimed at the development of problem solving skills should be welcomed by students and teachers.