Problem Solving Through Recreational Mathematics is based on mathematics courses taught by the authors, who were both mathematics professors at Temple University.[1][2] It follows a principle in mathematics education popularized by George Pólya, of focusing on techniques for mathematical problem solving, motivated by the idea that by doing mathematics rather than being told about its "history, culture, or applications", liberal arts education students (for whom this might be their only college-level mathematics course) can gain a better idea of the nature of mathematics.[1][3] By concentrating on problems in recreational mathematics, Averbach and Chein hope to motivate students by the fun aspect of these problems. However, this approach may also lead the students to lose sight of the important applications of the mathematics they learn,[3] and contains little to no material on mathematical proof.[2][4]
The book's exercises include some with detailed solutions, some with less-detailed answers, and some that provide only hints to the solution, providing flexibility to instructors in using this book as a textbook.[1][5] Cartoons and other illustrations of the concepts help make the material more inviting to students.[1]
As well as for general education at the college level, this book could also be used to help prepare students going into mathematics education,[1] and for mathematics appreciation for secondary school students. It could also be used as a reference by secondary school mathematics teachers in providing additional examples for their students,[5][6] or as personal reading for anyone teenaged or older who is interested in mathematics.[6] Alternatively, reviewer Murray Klamkin suggests using the books of Polyá for these purposes, but adding Problem Solving Through Recreational Mathematics as a supplement to these books.[3]
