Games and mathematics [electronic resource] : subtle connections / David Wells.
Wells, D. G. (David G.)
2012
QA95 .W438 2012
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Title
Games and mathematics [electronic resource] : subtle connections / David Wells.
Author
Wells, D. G. (David G.)
ISBN
9781107024601
9781107690912
9781139554862 (electronic book)
Publication Details
Cambridge [England] ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Language
English
Description
x, 246 p. : ill.
Call Number
QA95 .W438 2012
Dewey Decimal Classification
510
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, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
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Machine generated contents note: Introduction; Part I. Mathematical recreations and abstract games: 1. Recreations from Euler to Lucas; 2. Four abstract games; 3. Mathematics and games: mysterious connections; 4. Why chess is not mathematics; 5. Proving versus checking; Part II. Mathematics: game-like, scientific and perceptual: 6. Game-like mathematics; 7. Euclid and the rules of his geometrical game; 8. New concepts and new objects; 9. Convergent and divergent series; 10. Mathematics becomes game-like; 11. Maths as science; 12. Numbers and sequences; 13. Computers and mathematics; 14. Mathematics and the sciences; 15. Minimum paths from Heron to Feynmann; 16. The foundations: perception, imagination and insight; 17. Structure; 18. Hidden structure, common structure; 19. Mathematics and beauty; 20. Origins: formality in the everyday world; Bibliography; Index.

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