First published in the late 20th century by the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production, An Excursion in Mathematics is not your typical high school textbook. It is a problem-solving masterpiece designed specifically for students transitioning from rote learning to mathematical reasoning.
It is very common for students to seek a PDF version of this book because it is published by a research institute and can sometimes be difficult to find in local bookstores outside of India.
While digital versions exist, students should be aware of the following:
An Introduction to the Excursion
There is a common misconception regarding the nature of mathematics. In our earliest years of schooling, we are taught to view it as a construction site—a place of rigid scaffolding, heavy lifting, and utilitarian structure. We learn to lay bricks of arithmetic and mortar of algebra to build functional walls.
But to stop there is to miss the architecture entirely.
An "excursion" into mathematics is not a trip to a factory; it is a voyage into a wilderness that defies the laws of physics. It is a landscape where the map is often larger than the territory it describes, and where standing still requires just as much energy as running. As we prepare to open this PDF and step into the unknown, let us look at three stops on our itinerary—three paradoxes that prove we are not merely calculating, but exploring a reality that exists purely within the mind.
An Excursion in Mathematics is a highly regarded reference book primarily used for mathematical olympiad preparation in India, specifically for exams like the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) . Authored by M.R. Modak, S.A. Katre, V.V. Acharya, and V.M. Sholapurkar , it is published by Bhaskaracharya Pratishthana Core Purpose and Scope
The book is designed to bridge the gap between standard school curricula and the rigorous requirements of competitive math. It emphasizes logical thinking and fresh problem-solving strategies over rote learning. Primary Audience : Students preparing for IOQM, RMO, INMO, and international competitions like AMC 10/12
: The text is formal and problem-driven, often presenting concepts through a series of theorems, lemmas, and proofs that readers are encouraged to attempt themselves. Major Content Areas an excursion in mathematics pdf
The book is generally divided into four critical pillars of olympiad mathematics:
M. R. Modak, S. a. Khatre, V. v. Acharya, V.M. Sholapurkar | PDF
M. R. Modak, S. a. Khatre, V. v. Acharya, V.M. Sholapurkar - An Excursion in Mathematics-Bhaskaracharya Partishthana (2018) | PDF.
Trilinear Coordinates in Geometry | PDF | Sine | Triangle - Scribd
The phrase "An Excursion in Mathematics" typically refers to a classic 199-page book used by students preparing for the Mathematical Olympiads (like the RMO and INMO in India).
Here is a short story inspired by the experience of finding and working through this specific PDF. The Blueprint of the Infinite
Arjun’s laptop screen flickered in the dimly lit dorm room, the clock creeping toward 2:00 AM. For weeks, he had been chasing a ghost—a specific collection of problems rumored to be the "secret weapon" for the upcoming Math Olympiad. Every forum post and senior student mentioned it in hushed, respectful tones: An Excursion in Mathematics.
He clicked a suspicious-looking link on an old academic repository. The download bar crawled, then finished. He opened the file: An_Excursion_in_Mathematics.pdf.
As the 199 pages loaded, Arjun didn't find the dry, repetitive drills of his school textbooks. Instead, the PDF felt like a map to a hidden city. The introduction didn't just ask him to solve for First published in the late 20th century by
; it invited him on a "side trip along paths not generally traveled".
The first chapter on Number Theory felt like a puzzle box. He spent three hours on a single geometry problem, drawing circles that looked more like cracked eggs until, suddenly, the "auxiliary line" clicked into place. The PDF wasn't just a document; it was a conversation with the masters. He saw the logic of Euler and the elegance of Gauss laid out in pixelated black and white.
By sunrise, Arjun’s notebook was filled with scribbled proofs and coffee stains. He realized that the "excursion" wasn't about reaching the end of the book or winning a medal. It was about the moment the static on the screen turned into a clear, beautiful pattern. He closed the PDF, not tired, but for the first time in months, truly awake. Chandra and Rohini's Love Story | PDF | Nature - Scribd
An Excursion in Mathematics (published by Bhaskaracharya Pratishthana) is a highly regarded resource specifically designed for students preparing for prestigious competitions like the IOQM, RMO, and INMO. Core Content & Structure
The book is structured into four primary mathematical pillars:
Number Theory: Covers divisibility, congruences, Fermat's and Euler's theorems, and arithmetic functions.
Algebra: Focuses on polynomials, inequalities, and functional equations.
Geometry: Includes theorems on concurrency, collinearity, properties of triangles, and constructions.
Combinatorics: Detail-oriented sections on counting principles, permutations, combinations, and the pigeonhole principle. Critical Review Highlights While digital versions exist, students should be aware
Problem-Driven Approach: Unlike standard textbooks that offer repetitive exercises, this book uses distinct, diverse problems that require "fresh thinking" for each entry.
Self-Discovery: It emphasizes a formal, rigorous style where students are encouraged to attempt proofs of theorems and lemmas themselves before reading the provided text.
Olympiad Alignment: It is often cited as the "go-to" book for the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) and the American Math Competitions (AMC 10/12).
Major Drawback (The "No Solutions" Issue): A common criticism from reviewers on Quora is that it lacks detailed solutions to its problems, which can make it frustrating for beginners without a mentor.
Modern Relevance: While the concepts remain foundational, some reviewers note the problems are largely based on older Indian Olympiads, though newer editions (like the 17th) aim to maintain relevance. Where to Find the PDF
Digital versions and previews are frequently hosted on academic sharing platforms:
Scribd: Provides various overviews and scanned versions, such as the 14th edition and more recent scans.
DOKUMEN.PUB: Offers downloadable PDF formats of the 14th edition (approx. 249 pages).
Are you preparing for a specific competition (like the IOQM or AMC), or