Nice writeup, certainly helps in organizing your thoughts. It reminded me of the Feynman method a bit though :) 1. Write down the problem. 2. Think real hard

Nice writeup, certainly helps in organizing your thoughts. It reminded me of the Feynman method a bit though :) 1. Write down the problem. 2. Think real hard. 3. Write down the solution. More seriously, the classic book by Gy. Polya "How to solve it" is also very useful: http://www.amazon.com/How-Solve-Aspect-Mathematical-Method/dp/0691023565 http://www.amazon.com/How-Solve-Aspect-Mathematical-Method/d... (non-affiliate) http://www.amazon.com/How-Solve-Aspect-Mathematical-Method/dp/0691023565?tag=laszkozm-20 http://www.amazon.com/How-Solve-Aspect-Mathematical-Method/d... (affiliate)