Algorithmic Puzzles

Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin

The only puzzle book to focus on algorithmic puzzles
Interprets puzzle solutions as illustrations of general methods of algorithmic problem solving
Contains a tutorial explaining the main ideas of algorithm design and analysis for a general reader
Houses puzzles for all skill levels from readers with only middle school mathematics to seasoned puzzle solvers

Algorithmic Puzzles

Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin

Description

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.

Algorithmic Puzzles

Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin

Preface

List of Puzzles
Tutorial Puzzles
Main Section Puzzles

1. Tutorials
General Strategies for Algorithm Design
Analysis Techniques

2. Puzzles
Easier Puzzles (#1 - #50)
Medium Dic culty Puzzles (51 - 110)
Harder Puzzles (#111 - 150)

3. Hints

4. Solutions

References
Design Strategy and Analysis Index
Index of Terms and Names

Algorithmic Puzzles

Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin

Author Information

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.

Contributors:

n/a

Algorithmic Puzzles

Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin

Reviews and Awards

"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

Algorithmic Puzzles

Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin

From Our Blog

Teaching algorithmic problem-solving with puzzles and games

By Anany Levitin In the last few years algorithmic thinking has become somewhat of a buzz word among computer science educators, and with some justice: ubiquity of computers in today's world does make algorithmic thinking a very important skill for almost any student. There are few colleges and universities that require non-computer science majors to take a course exposing them to important issues and methods of algorithmic problem solving.

Posted on January 9, 2013

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