Multicolor Problems ( Mathematical Conversations Part 1) | E. B. Dynkin, V. A. Uspenskii

 Multicolor Problems is a translation of Part One of Mathe­matical Conversations by E. B. Dynkin and V. A. Uspenskii, which was published in the Russian series. Library of the Mathematics Circle. The originality of the exposition and the variety of the problems presented here make this booklet especially useful in stimulating an inventive approach to mathematics.

This booklet deals with several of the classical map-coloring problems. The technique is one of developing an ordered presentation of problems and extensive solutions to them. A discussion of the famous four-color problem, which has puz­zled mathematicians for nearly a century, is included.

The booklet is designed for the reader’s active participation, as the problems are carefully integrated with the text and should be solved in sequence. The reader should have a back­ ground of high school algebra and should also be acquainted with the method of mathematical induction.

E. B. DYNKIN, a Professor at Moscow State University, is an eminent mathematician and author, whose specialties are higher algebra, topology, and probability theory. V. A. USPENSKII, a Lecturer at Moscow State University, spe­ cializes in mathematical logic.