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An Introduction to Recreational Math: Fun, Games, and Puzzles

Weizmann Institute of Science via FutureLearn

Overview

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Get an introduction to the fun, games and puzzles of recreational math

Math doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. In fact learning about recreational math can not only enhance your creative thinking but it can be exciting and useful in daily life.

During this course you will challenge your brain and have fun while learning about the math of various entertaining subjects such as magic squares, puzzles and games. You will also learn about famous recreational mathematicians.

The course is designed for anyone who enjoys popular science, recreational maths and solving maths puzzles and crosswords. There are no particular requirements. It will be especially useful for parents or teachers looking to inspire a love of math and do fun math activities with young people.

Syllabus

  • What is recreational math? Meet some recreational mathematicians
    • Who are we and what do we want?
    • What is recreational math?
    • Some famous recreational mathematicians
  • The rich worlds of mathematical puzzles
    • Problems, puzzles and mechanical puzzles
    • Logic puzzles
    • Cryptarithms, Soduku and more
  • Mathematical games
    • The game of Nim
    • Tic-tac-toe
    • The Game of Life
    • Course summary

Taught by

Yossi Elran

Reviews

4.5 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

4.5 rating at FutureLearn based on 186 ratings

Start your review of An Introduction to Recreational Math: Fun, Games, and Puzzles

  • Inga-lill Cras
    It was most of all fun! I learned a bit more mathematics, but I also learned math history and cultural history.
    A hands-on course with fun tasks.
  • The course gives you a nice overview of recreational math.
    You will spend more than 2 hours per week if you solve the many puzzles provided.
    I think more strategies should be given on how to solve the puzzles, for example: Latin square, Doublets etc..

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