The Ultimate Challenge

Author: Jeffrey C. Lagarias
Publisher: American Mathematical Society
ISBN: 1470472899
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 360

Book Description
The $3x+1$ problem, or Collatz problem, concerns the following seemingly innocent arithmetic procedure applied to integers: If an integer $x$ is odd then “multiply by three and add one”, while if it is even then “divide by two”. The $3x+1$ problem asks whether, starting from any positive integer, repeating this procedure over and over will eventually reach the number 1. Despite its simple appearance, this problem is unsolved. Generalizations of the problem are known to be undecidable, and the problem itself is believed to be extraordinarily difficult. This book reports on what is known on this problem. It consists of a collection of papers, which can be read independently of each other. The book begins with two introductory papers, one giving an overview and current status, and the second giving history and basic results on the problem. These are followed by three survey papers on the problem, relating it to number theory and dynamical systems, to Markov chains and ergodic theory, and to logic and the theory of computation. The next paper presents results on probabilistic models for behavior of the iteration. This is followed by a paper giving the latest computational results on the problem, which verify its truth for $x < 5.4 cdot 10^{18}$. The book also reprints six early papers on the problem and related questions, by L. Collatz, J. H. Conway, H. S. M. Coxeter, C. J. Everett, and R. K. Guy, each with editorial commentary. The book concludes with an annotated bibliography of work on the problem up to the year 2000.

The Ultimate Mathematical Challenge: Over 365 puzzles to test your wits and excite your mind

Author: The UK Mathematics Trust
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0008316414
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 300

Book Description
’Be warned: cracking puzzles releases a very addictive drug.’ – Marcus du Sautoy Have you ever wanted to be a puzzle pro or logical luminary? Well, look no further!

Challenging Math Problems

Author: Terry Stickels
Publisher: Courier Dover Publications
ISBN: 0486795535
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 116

Book Description
This best-of compilation features 101 of the most entertaining and challenging math puzzles ever published. No advanced knowledge of mathematics is necessary, just solid thinking and puzzle-solving skills. Includes complete solutions.

The Ultimate Mathematical Challenge: Test Your Wits Against Our Finest Mathematicians

Author: The UK Mathematics Trust
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780008316402
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 288

Book Description
"Be warned: cracking puzzles releases a very addictive drug." - Marcus du Sautoy Do you consider yourself a puzzle pundit or leading logician? Well, look no further! The perfect way to liven up your day, The Ultimate Mathematical Challenge has over 365 puzzles to test your wits and excite your mind. From easy problems to intermediate brainteasers, stretching puzzles to pressure builders, this book is the ideal forum to get your brain into gear and feed it with the challenges it craves. Specially curated from the UK Mathematics Trust's puzzle programme, most of these problems can be cracked using no more than a little numerical knowledge, logical thinking and native wit. Including interludes of cross-number conundrums and shuttle challenges, space for your working out, and a handy glossary for those obscure mathematical terms, this book has everything you need to solve captivating problems all year round. Gather your friends and family, put your thinking cap on and see if you have what it takes to conquer the ultimate mathematical challenge!

My Best Mathematical and Logic Puzzles

Author: Martin Gardner
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 0486320324
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 100

Book Description
The noted expert selects 70 of his favorite "short" puzzles, including such mind-bogglers as The Returning Explorer, The Mutilated Chessboard, Scrambled Box Tops, and dozens more involving logic and basic math. Solutions included.

Five Hundred Mathematical Challenges

Author: Edward J. Barbeau
Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.
ISBN: 1614445079
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 227

Book Description
This book contains 500 problems that range over a wide spectrum of areas of high school mathematics and levels of difficulty. Some are simple mathematical puzzlers while others are serious problems at the Olympiad level. Students of all levels of interest and ability will be entertained and taught by the book. For many problems, more than one solution is supplied so that students can see how different approaches can be taken to a problem and compare the elegance and efficiency of different tools that might be applied. Teachers at both the college and secondary levels will find the book useful, both for encouraging their students and for their own pleasure. Some of the problems can be used to provide a little spice in the regular curriculum by demonstrating the power of very basic techniques. This collection provides a solid base for students who wish to enter competitions at the Olympiad level. They can begin with easy problems and progress to more demanding ones. A special mathematical tool chest summarizes the results and techniques needed by competition-level students.

The Stanford Mathematics Problem Book

Author: George Polya
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 048631832X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 82

Book Description
Based on Stanford University's well-known competitive exam, this excellent mathematics workbook offers students at both high school and college levels a complete set of problems, hints, and solutions. 1974 edition.

Do the Math!

Author: Steven Clontz
Publisher: Rockridge Press
ISBN: 9781647398910
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 140

Book Description
Brain-boosting math puzzles for kids ages 8-12 Learning math is a blast with this awesome collection of interactive activities! Whether it's a cunning cryptogram waiting to be decoded or some sudoku that needs to be solved, these clever challenges will teach kids just how awesome and engaging math can be. Over the course of more than 100 math puzzles for kids ages 8-12, young learners will add, subtract, multiply, divide, and logic their way to the solutions for these mathematical marvels. They'll build the core math skills needed to succeed in school and beyond--while having tons of fun! This collection of math puzzles for kids ages 8-12 features: Different puzzle types--Kids will explore math from every angle with patterns, logic puzzles, sudoku, cryptograms, and more. Progressive challenges--Each chapter focuses on one type of puzzle, starting simple and getting harder as they go, helping kids avoid frustration and see how far they've come. Easy-to-follow instructions--Short and simple instructions make sure the only tough part of these math puzzles for kids ages 8-12 is figuring out the answer. Help kids build logical thinking skills with these amazing math puzzles for kids ages 8-12.

Our Mathematical Universe

Author: Max Tegmark
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0307744256
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 434

Book Description
Max Tegmark leads us on an astonishing journey through past, present and future, and through the physics, astronomy and mathematics that are the foundation of his work, most particularly his hypothesis that our physical reality is a mathematical structure and his theory of the ultimate multiverse. In a dazzling combination of both popular and groundbreaking science, he not only helps us grasp his often mind-boggling theories, but he also shares with us some of the often surprising triumphs and disappointments that have shaped his life as a scientist. Fascinating from first to last—this is a book that has already prompted the attention and admiration of some of the most prominent scientists and mathematicians.

The Moscow Puzzles

Author: Boris A. Kordemsky
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 0486270785
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 321

Book Description
A collection of math and logic puzzles features number games, magic squares, tricks, problems with dominoes and dice, and cross sums, in addition to other intellectual teasers.