EPISODE · May 12, 2026 · 6 MIN
The USSR Olympiad Problem Book
from Intellectually Curious · host Mike Breault
Dive into the USSR Olympiad problem book by Shklarsky, Chensov, and Yaglom—320 unconventional puzzles designed for seventh- to tenth-graders that still stump PhD mathematicians. Learn how these problems force new mental models, not brute-force computation, and how a simple shift—dividing problems into three groups—reveals the solution. We connect these techniques to modern AI work and explain why adaptability matters for training, automation, and software development. Includes classic puzzles like the counterfeit coin weighing challenge and the coconut-distribution story, and a note on applying these ideas in your team today. Note: This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI can make mistakes. Please double-check any critical information.Sponsored by Embersilk LLC
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Dive into the USSR Olympiad problem book by Shklarsky, Chensov, and Yaglom—320 unconventional puzzles designed for seventh- to tenth-graders that still stump PhD mathematicians. Learn how these problems force new mental models, not brute-force computation, and how a simple shift—dividing problems into three groups—reveals the solution. We connect these techniques to modern AI work and explain why adaptability matters for training, automation, and software development. Includes classic puzzles...
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The USSR Olympiad Problem Book
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