| Description |
1 online resource (x, 246 pages) : illustrations |
|
data file |
| Physical Medium |
polychrome |
| Summary |
"The appeal of games and puzzles is timeless and universal. In this unique book, David Wells explores the fascinating connections between games and mathematics, proving that mathematics is not just about tedious calculation but imagination, insight and intuition. The first part of the book introduces games, puzzles and mathematical recreations, including the Tower of Hanoi, knight tours on a chessboard, Nine Men's Morris and more. The second part explains how thinking about playing games can mirror the thinking of a mathematician, using scientific investigation, tactics and strategy, and sharp observation. Finally the author considers game-like features found in a wide range of human behaviours, illuminating the role of mathematics and helping to explain why it exists at all. This thought-provoking book is perfect for anyone with a thirst for mathematics and its hidden beauty; a good high school grounding in mathematics is all the background that's required, and the puzzles and games will suit pupils from 14 years"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
Recreations from Euler to Lucas -- Four abstract games -- Mathematics and games : mysterious connections -- Why chess is not mathematics -- Proving versus checking -- Game-like mathematics -- Euclid and the rules of his geometrical game -- New concepts and new objects -- Convergent and divergent series -- Mathematics becomes game-like -- Maths as science -- Numbers and sequences -- Computers and mathematics -- Mathematics and the sciences -- Minimum paths from Heron to Feynmann -- The foundations : perception, imagination and insight -- Structure -- Hidden structure, common structure -- Mathematics and beauty -- Origins : formality in the everyday world. |
| Local Note |
eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America |
| Subject |
Games -- Mathematical models.
|
|
Games -- Mathematical models. |
|
Games. |
| Genre/Form |
Games.
|
| Subject |
Mathematical recreations.
|
|
Mathematical recreations. |
|
Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Psychological aspects.
|
|
Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Psychological aspects. |
| Genre/Form |
Electronic books.
|
| Other Form: |
Print version: Wells, D.G. (David G.). Games and mathematics. Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2012 9781107024601 (DLC) 2012024343 (OCoLC)788262143 |
| ISBN |
9781139549905 (electronic book) |
|
1139549901 (electronic book) |
|
1139552414 (electronic book) |
|
9781139552417 (electronic book) |
|
9781139175838 (electronic book) |
|
1139175831 (electronic book) |
|
9781139554862 (e-book) |
|
1139554867 |
|
9781139554862 |
|
9781107024601 |
|
1107024609 |
|
9781107690912 |
|
1107690919 |
|
