Mathematical Games and How to Play Them (Paperback)

Steven Vajda

ISBN 10: 0486462773 / ISBN 13: 9780486462776

Published by Dover Publications Inc., New York, 2008

About this Item

Paperback. This refreshingly authoritative look at recreational mathematics illustrates winning strategies that use the methods of algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and graph theory. Its lucid analyses of the rules and theories of mathematical games include skill-enhancing exercises, in addition to detailed references, appendixes, and question-and-answer expositions that explain the basic theories.Serious but not heavy-handed, this treatment covers games for one and two players, a theory of games, and rankings. Games in which chance plays a part, such as card games, are not considered. The accessible and appealing approach does not require an extensive background in mathematics. A source of stimulation for students, this volume will also interest practicing and aspiring mathematicians and offer inspiration and encouragement for the invention of new games.Steven Vajda was born in Budapest in 1901 and died in England in 1995. For the last twenty-two years of his life, he was Visiting Professor of Mathematics at Sussex University. As a prominent teacher, lecturer, and author, he played a vital role in the development of mathematical programming and operations research and wrote more than a dozen books and many research papers on these and other topics including game theory. This book uses methods of algebra, geometry, combinatorics, number theory, and graph theory to analyze the rules and theories of mathematical games and to offer winning strategies. 1992 edition. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780486462776

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mathematical Games and How to Play Them (Paperback)
• Publisher: Dover Publications Inc., New York
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486462773
• ISBN 13: 9780486462776
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This refreshingly authoritative look at recreational mathematics illustrates winning strategies that use the methods of algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and graph theory. Its lucid analyses of the rules and theories of mathematical games include skill-enhancing exercises, in addition to detailed references, appendixes, and question-and-answer expositions that explain the basic theories.
Serious but not heavy-handed, this treatment covers games for one and two players, a theory of games, and rankings. Games in which chance plays a part, such as card games, are not considered. The accessible and appealing approach does not require an extensive background in mathematics. A source of stimulation for students, this volume will also interest practicing and aspiring mathematicians and offer inspiration and encouragement for the invention of new games.
Steven Vajda was born in Budapest in 1901 and died in England in 1995. For the last twenty-two years of his life, he was Visiting Professor of Mathematics at Sussex University. As a prominent teacher, lecturer, and author, he played a vital role in the development of mathematical programming and operations research and wrote more than a dozen books and many research papers on these and other topics including game theory.

From the Back Cover

Containing detailed references, appendices, questions and answers, this book uses algebra, geometry, combinatorics, number theory, graph theory, and other branches of mathematics to tell a player how to win, or not to lose, mathematical games. It covers solitaires, games for two players, a theory of games, and rankings. For sophisticated mathematicians as well as aspiring mathematicians.