Mathematical Puzzles and Curiosities - Softcover

Oliveira, Ivo Fagundes David De; Khovanova, Tanya; Shpilman, Yogev

Softcover

ISBN 10: 981982236X ISBN 13: 9789819822362

Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company, 2026

Synopsis

This book is the result of a collaboration between three passionate puzzlers, inviting readers to challenge themselves with a diverse collection of puzzles and brainteasers from across the mathematical landscape. While the solutions are accessible to younger puzzlers, solving them independently can still pose an enjoyable challenge for adults. Beyond puzzles and solutions, the authors aim to teach problem-solving methods, interspersed with fascinating mathematical anecdotes that provide refreshing insights and breaks for dedicated solvers.

Featuring a blend of never-before-seen puzzles and classic favorites with new twists, this unique collection offers challenges and curiosities to satisfy puzzlers, enrich mathematicians, and welcome novices eager to explore the beauty of mathematical thinking. Covering topics from logic and probability to geometry and number theory, this book has something for everyone who loves a good puzzle.

Whether you seek puzzles for the pure joy of solving or wish to sharpen your logic skills while uncovering surprising mathematical insights, this book is a must-have addition to your collection.

About this title

About the Authors

Ivo Fagundes David de Oliveira is a mathematician, inventor, and educator with a passion for puzzles, games, and riddles. With a master's degree in Mathematics and a PhD from the University of Minas Gerais, he has spent over a decade teaching and inspiring students of all ages. David is known for his engaging presentations and his invention of paradoxical objects, including his "Prophet Coins" and the "Triple Gozinta Boxes" (released by TCC Magic in cooperation with DistantLands.Studio). His inventions celebrate the beauty and play found in unexpected corners of mathematics.

Tanya Khovanova is a renowned mathematician and blogger. She holds a PhD in Mathematics from Moscow State University and currently works as a lecturer at MIT. Tanya conducts research in recreational mathematics and works with several programs that help youngsters conduct research in mathematics. Tanya manages her personal website at tanyakhovanova.com, her math blog at blog.tanyakhovanova.com, and a website with a huge collection of number properties at numbergossip.com.

Yogev Shpilman holds a PhD in particle physics from the Weizmann Institute of Science. He has been collecting puzzles since childhood and has a lasting interest in number theory, logic, and games like chess and Go. He is currently developing a puzzle-focused video game inspired by these interests.

Edition details

• Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 981982236X
• ISBN 13: 9789819822362
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168