Mathematical Games And How To Play Them

This refreshingly authoritative look at recreational mathematics illustrates winning strategies that use the methods of algebra, geometry, combinatorics, number theory, graph theory, and other branches of mathematics. Its lucid analyses of the rules and theories of mathematical games include skill-enhancing exercises, plus references, appendixes, and detailed explanations. 1992 edition.

"Best-selling author and worst-drawing artist Ben Orlin expands his oeuvre with this interactive collection of mathematical games. Each taking a minute to learn and a lifetime to master, this treasure chest of 70-plus games will delight, educate, and entertain"--

A hilarious reeducation in mathematics-full of joy, jokes, and stick figures-that sheds light on the countless practical and wonderful ways that math structures and shapes our world. In Math With Bad Drawings, Ben Orlin reveals to us what math actually is; its myriad uses, its strange symbols, and the wild leaps of logic and faith that define the usually impenetrable work of the mathematician. Truth and knowledge come in multiple forms: colorful drawings, encouraging jokes, and the stories and insights of an empathetic teacher who believes that math should belong to everyone. Orlin shows us how to think like a mathematician by teaching us a brand-new game of tic-tac-toe, how to understand an economic crises by rolling a pair of dice, and the mathematical headache that ensues when attempting to build a spherical Death Star. Every discussion in the book is illustrated with Orlin's trademark "bad drawings," which convey his message and insights with perfect pitch and clarity. With 24 chapters covering topics from the electoral college to human genetics to the reasons not to trust statistics, Math with Bad Drawings is a life-changing book for the math-estranged and math-enamored alike.

Make developing basic math skills fun and painless With this great collection of over 125 easy-to-use games, puzzles, and activities, teachers and parents can help kids comprehend fundamental math concepts, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, fractions, and more. All games and puzzles use easy-to-find household items such as paper and pencil, playing cards, coins, and dice. The activities also help children develop problem-solving skills, such as testing hypotheses, creating strategies, and organizing information, as well as spatial relations skills, part-to-whole skills, and memory. Michael Schiro, EdD (Chestnut Hill, MA), is an associate professor at the School of Education at Boston College. He is the author of several books on teaching and learning math and is a frequent presenter at local and national math conferences.

Perfect for those who enjoy intellectual challenges, this user-friendly and visually appealing collection offers both new and classic strategic board games. Chapters include two- and three-player games, a selection of mathematical games that features Nim and games on graphs, a survey of the theory and history of board games, and a lengthy glossary.

Bring learning mathematical skills into a whole new light for students in kindergarten! This book provides fun and unique skill-based games that encourage whole-group, whole-class, small-group, and partner interaction and collaboration. These activities will reinforce students' knowledge of mathematical skills while keeping learners motivated and engaged. Promote a fun learning environment for students to achieve mathematical success!

The book presents 18 games and develops the concepts of game analysis and winning strategies. Students are encouraged to play these mathematical games together, collect data developed through their play, and analyze the data to develop a winning strategy. The book provides the basis for a six- to eight-week unit on mathematical games. Each chapter also functions as a self-contained and independent exploration so that selected chapters may be used as supplementary classroom investigations or as independent projects. The book includes both familiar games (such as Quadrangles and Nim) and many others that will be new and exciting to most readers. Through the exploration of mathematical games, 'The Play's the Thing' introduces teachers and students to the fun of play and to the mathematics behind the fun.