Games and mathematics : subtle connections / David Wells.

Show other versions (2)

"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 introduce...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Wells, D. G. (David G.)
Language:English
Published: Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Subjects:
Games > Mathematical models.
Mathematical recreations.
Mathematics > Psychological aspects.
MATHEMATICS / General.
Hobbies and Games.
Physical Description:x, 246 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Format: Book
Contents:
  • I. Mathematical recreations and abstract games
  • Recreations from Euler to Lucas
  • Four abstract games
  • Mathematics and games: mysterious connections
  • Why chess is not mathematics
  • Proving versus checking
  • II. Mathematics: game-like, scientific and perceptual
  • Game-like mathematics
  • Euclid and the rules of his geometrical game
  • New concepts and new objects
  • Convergent and divergent series
  • Mathematics becomes game-like
  • Mathematics as science
  • Numbers and sequences
  • Computers and mathematics
  • Mathematics and the sciences
  • Minimum paths: elegant simplicity
  • The foundations: perception, imagination and insight
  • Structure
  • Hidden structure, common structure
  • Mathematics and beauty
  • 0. Origins: formality in the everyday world.