While many think of algorithms as specific to computer science, at its core algorithmic thinking is defined by the use of analytical logic to solve problems. This logic extends far beyond the realm of computer science and into the wide and entertaining world of puzzles. In Algorithmic Puzzles, Anany and Maria Levitin use many classic brainteasers as well as newer examples from job interviews with major corporations to show readers how to apply analytical thinking to solve puzzles requiring well-defined procedures. The book's unique collection of puzzles is supplemented with carefully developed tutorials on algorithm design strategies and analysis techniques intended to walk the reader step-by-step through the various approaches to algorithmic problem solving. Mastery of these strategies--exhaustive search, backtracking, and divide-and-conquer, among others--will aid the reader in solving not only the puzzles contained in this book, but also others encountered in interviews, puzzle collections, and throughout everyday life. Each of the 150 puzzles contains hints and solutions, along with commentary on the puzzle's origins and solution methods. The only book of its kind, Algorithmic Puzzles houses puzzles for all skill levels. Readers with only middle school mathematics will develop their algorithmic problem-solving skills through puzzles at the elementary level, while seasoned puzzle solvers will enjoy the challenge of thinking through more difficult puzzles.
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"Algorithmic Puzzles by Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin is an interesting and novel style of puzzle book. The emphasis lies in training the reader to think algorithmically and develop new puzzle-solving skills: the majority of puzzles are problems where we are asked to find the shortest distance or the fewest moves to get from A to B, or construct a proof that a puzzle has no solution. the book provides plenty of puzzles to keep even the most avid problem-solvers busy for a long time, all with varying levels of difficulty and different styles/contexts. The solutions provided are comprehensive and explain themselves in a friendly, constructive manner, complete with illustrations. In addition to questions and answers, a section of brief hints is also provided to assist the reader in their puzzle-solving endeavours." -- Graham Wheeler, Significance
About the Author
Anany Levitin is a Professor of Computing Sciences at Villanova University. He is the author of a popular textbook on design and analysis of algorithms, which has been translated into Chinese, Greek, Korean, and Russian. He has also published papers on mathematical optimization theory, software engineering, data management, algorithm design, and computer science education. Maria Levitin is an independent consultant. After some years working for leading software companies and developing business applications for large corporations, she now specializes in web-based applications and wireless computing.
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4.1 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
28 of 33 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Frustrating Kindle Adaptation
April 25 2012
By T Mark W Bottomley
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book contains an excellent collection of algorithmic puzzles. There are lots (150) of puzzles in three difficulty categories. The book itself has 3 parts - the puzzle, the hint(s), and the solution explanation with references and a short history. The conversion to Kindle format was done poorly. You would have thought they could puzzle out that the three parts of the book should be linked so the reader can move back and forth. This is especially problematic as neither of the three sections can stand alone. The Pounstone books, Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google?: Trick Questions, Zen-like Riddles, Insanely Difficult Puzzles, and Other Devious Interviewing Techniques You Need ... to Get a Job Anywhere in the New Economy and How Would You Move Mount Fuji?: Microsoft's Cult of the Puzzle - How the World's Smartest Companies Select the Most Creative Thinkers are referenced in the book and they got the connectivity correct. I would recommend the paper version of the book with 3 book marks. Fixing this frustration would raise my rating to 5 stars.
The above Poundstone books do have a small overlap with this book, however they are sufficiently different that purchasing all three books is not a bad idea.
The above Poundstone books do have a small overlap with this book, however they are sufficiently different that purchasing all three books is not a bad idea.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Puzzle Book I've Ever Read
Feb 28 2013
By CollinS
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book on sight. It's possibly my favorite book of any and all books I own. The puzzles are not only ubiquitous and exciting... they're educational and provide many "Aha!" moments. I've been looking for a book like this for years, and I recommend it to those looking for fun and challenging puzzles of varying difficulty levels. Being a computer science major, many of the puzzles are also fun to implement and solve using programming, emphasizing the "algorithmic" component in the title.
Buy this book!!
Buy this book!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stimulating
Oct 2 2012
By Randolph L. Smith
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
More than I ever wanted to know about puzzle analysis. Interesting to see all the logic behind the design. Highly recommended for the puzzle-minded.
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4.1 out of 5 stars
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