The Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects : Volume 3: The Magic of Mathematics / Jennifer Beineke, Jason Rosenhouse.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Beineke, Jennifer, Editor.

Rosenhouse, Jason, editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (349 pages)

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, [2019]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

The history of mathematics is replete with examples of major breakthroughs resulting from the solutions to recreational problems. The modern theory of probability arose out of problems of concern to gamblers, for example, and modern combinatorics grew out of various games and puzzles. Despite this track record and a wealth of popular-level books, research in recreational mathematics has often been neglected. The Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects remedies this situation and returns with an all-new third volume, presenting further research into diverse areas of recreational mathematics.This third volume focuses on four areas: puzzles and brainteasers, games, algebra and number theory, and geometry and topology. Among the many topics, readers will create Spiral Galaxies (Japanese symmetric grid puzzles consisting of squares and circles) whose solutions are letters and numbers, delve into a paradox in the game of Bingo, examine the card tricks of mathematician-philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce, and learn about the mathematics behind Legos.Elucidating the many connections between mathematics and games, The Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects is sure to challenge and inspire mathematicians and math enthusiasts.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Foreword

Preface and Acknowledgments

1. Probability in Your Head

2. Solving Puzzles Backward

3. Spiral Galaxies Font

4. Kings, Sages, Hats, and Codes

5. How to Predict the Flip of a Coin

6. Coins and Logic

7. Bingo Paradoxes

8. Wiggly Games and Burnside's Lemma

9. Losing at Checkers Is Hard

10. Chutes and Ladders without Chutes or Ladders

11. Bugs, Braids, and Batching

12. The Magic of Charles Sanders Peirce

13. Can You Win Khalou in Five Moves?

14. On Partitions into Squares of Distinct Integers Whose Reciprocals Sum to 1

15. Puzzles, Parity Maps, and Plenty of Solutions

16. Should We Call Them Flexa-Bands?

17. The Shortest Connection Problem on Triangular Grids

18. Entropy of Lego Jumper Plates

About the Editors

About the Contributors

Index

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 06. Apr 2020)

ISBN:

9780691194417

0691194416

OCLC:

1105199282