Overview

The history of mathematics is replete with examples of major breakthroughs resulting from 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, there remain few conduits for research in recreational mathematics. The Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects now returns with an all-new third volume, presenting new research in diverse areas of recreational mathematics.This volume focuses on four areas: puzzles and brainteasers, games, algebra and number theory, and geometry and topology. 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; learn about the mathematics behind Legos; and much more.Elucidating the many connections between mathematics and games, The Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects is sure to challenge and inspire mathematicians and math enthusiasts.

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9780691182582

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Reviews

""This is a fantastic (and entertaining) book on various aspects of recreational mathematics which are also at the forefront of research level mathematics.""---Manjil Pratim Saikia, Zentralblatt MATH

This is a fantastic (and entertaining) book on various aspects of recreational mathematics which are also at the forefront of research level mathematics. ---Manjil Pratim Saikia, Zentralblatt MATH

This book represents a rapidly expanding research area in the mathematics of games. The volume serves as a convincing indication that this research is likely to be extraordinarily fertile, and full of adaptive questions and versatile problems that can be studied from multiple perspectives. --Mircea Pitici, editor of The Best Writing on Mathematics The material on puzzles was consistently excellent, in topic and exposition. I was struck by the uniformly high level of writing and puzzle fans will find lots of stimulating, even inspirational, reading. --Paul Nahin, author of How to Fall Slower Than Gravity The breadth of topics is interesting, engaging, and rigorous. This is an entertaining and fun-to-read book. --Tim Chartier, author of Math Bytes

This book represents a rapidly expanding research area in the mathematics of games. The volume serves as a convincing indication that this research is likely to be extraordinarily fertile, and full of adaptive questions and versatile problems that can be studied from multiple perspectives. -Mircea Pitici, editor of The Best Writing on Mathematics The material on puzzles was consistently excellent, in topic and exposition. I was struck by the uniformly high level of writing and puzzle fans will find lots of stimulating, even inspirational, reading. -Paul Nahin, author of How to Fall Slower Than Gravity The breadth of topics is interesting, engaging, and rigorous. This is an entertaining and fun-to-read book. -Tim Chartier, author of Math Bytes

This book represents a rapidly expanding research area in the mathematics of games. The volume serves as a convincing indication that this research is likely to be extraordinarily fertile, and full of adaptive questions and versatile problems that can be studied from multiple perspectives. aEURO Mircea Pitici, editor of The Best Writing on Mathematics The material on puzzles was consistently excellent, in topic and exposition. I was struck by the uniformly high level of writing and puzzle fans will find lots of stimulating, even inspirational, reading. aEURO Paul Nahin, author of How to Fall Slower Than Gravity The breadth of topics is interesting, engaging, and rigorous. This is an entertaining and fun-to-read book. aEURO Tim Chartier, author of Math Bytes

Author Information

Jennifer Beineke is professor of mathematics at Western New England University. Jason Rosenhouse is professor of mathematics at James Madison University. Beineke and Rosenhouse are the coeditors of The Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects, Volumes 1 and 2 (Princeton).

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