How many ways might a problem be solved?
In various mathematics classes in my public schools, we were typically taught "the" solution, as though there is/was only one way to get "the" correct answer.
Well, as there are "many ways to skin a cat," there are apparently many solutions to problems.
"Abu Kamil may have been the first mathematician who instead of simply finding a solution to a problem was interested in finding ALL the possible solutions. In his book BOOK OF RARE THINGS IN THE ART OF CALCULATION he even describes one problem for which he found 2,678 solutions." p. 89-90, THE GOLDEN RATIO by Mario Livio (2002)
If this is true for mathematics, might not this also be true for life's other problems as well?
I would think so. I would thank Abu Kamil, "the Calculator from Egypt," who lived was "born around 850, probably in Egypt, and died around 930." I would also thank Mr. Livio for introducing me to Abu Kamil Shuja, known as al-Hasib al-Misri, for this great insight!
So, as "all roads that lead to Rome," don't get bogged down with one. Try another!
Monday, May 12, 2014
MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS TO ANY PROBLEM
How many ways might a problem be solved?
In various mathematics classes in my public schools, we were typically taught "the" solution, as though there is/was only one way to get "the" correct answer.
Well, as there are "many ways to skin a cat," there are apparently many solutions to problems.
"Abu Kamil may have been the first mathematician who instead of simply finding a solution to a problem was interested in finding ALL the possible solutions. In his book BOOK OF RARE THINGS IN THE ART OF CALCULATION he even describes one problem for which he found 2,678 solutions." p. 89-90, THE GOLDEN RATIO by Mario Livio (2002)
If this is true for mathematics, might not this also be true for life's other problems as well?
I would think so. I would thank Abu Kamil, "the Calculator from Egypt," who lived was "born around 850, probably in Egypt, and died around 930." I would also thank Mr. Livio for introducing me to Abu Kamil Shuja, known as al-Hasib al-Misri, for this great insight!
So, as "all roads that lead to Rome," don't get bogged down with one. Try another!