Entertaining Mathematical Puzzles [Paperback]

Martin Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1986 | Series: Dover Recreational Math

Only an elementary knowledge of math is needed to enjoy this entertaining compilation of brain-teasers. It includes a mixture of old and new riddles covering a variety of mathematical topics: money, speed, plane and solid geometry, probability, topology, tricky puzzles and more. Carefully explained solutions follow each problem. 65 black-and-white illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486252116
• ISBN-13: 978-0486252117
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > Mathematics > Recreation & Games
  • #7 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Puzzles
  • #10 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Math Games

More About the Author

For 25 of his 95 years, Martin Gardner wrote 'Mathematical Games and Recreations', a monthly column for Scientific American magazine. These columns have inspired hundreds of thousands of readers to delve more deeply into the large world of mathematics. He has also made significant contributions to magic, philosophy, debunking pseudoscience, and children's literature. He has produced more than 60 books, including many best sellers, most of which are still in print. His Annotated Alice has sold more than a million copies. He continues to write a regular column for the Skeptical Inquirer magazine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and illustrative Puzzles for the Beginner, July 18, 2006

By 

David De Sousa "The Automation and Control Guy" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entertaining Mathematical Puzzles (Paperback)

"Entertaining mathematical puzzles" by Martin Gartner is collection of rather easy math puzzles of diverse mathematical topics. Only an elementary knowledge of math and the will to resist looking up the answers before completing the problems.

Clear and concise comments at the beginning of each section explain the nature and importance of the math needed to solve each puzzle. A carefully explained solution follows each problem. In many cases, all that is needed to solve a problem is the ability to think logically and clearly, to be on the alert for surprising angles or hidden factors.

Here is an example of what you can find inside this book:

"If three cats catch three rats in three minutes, how many cats will catch 100 rats in 100 minutes?"

If you like more challenging pure mathematical teasers and puzzles, you may want to try "Challenging mathematical teasers" by J. A. H. Hunter.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mathematical problems for all ages with different topics., July 26, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Entertaining Mathematical Puzzles (Paperback)

Entertaining Mathematical Problems by Martin Gardner is a great book for all ages. This book has over 100 problems in sections ranging from topology to games. Some of the problems are simple to many, but there are some that require thought to do. Answers are included on the back. Any math lover will surely enjoy this book.
Paul Raff ([e-mail]

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WAY TO GET WARMED UP FOR THE THINKING WORLD, March 5, 2002

By 

JON STRICKLAND "Jon Strickland" (Smithfield, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Entertaining Mathematical Puzzles (Paperback)

I give this book five stars. Though the problems and puzzles were created several years ago, it introduces or, at least, reintroduces the reader to humorous and thought-provoking examples highlighting how intuitive and counterintuitive processes can collide into one another.

Martin Gardner's witty writing style makes this book a pleasant pathway to the realms of logic. Neat and concise with its stories and challenges throughout and with solutions at the very end, the book is a very ideal read, especially if you are a passenger with a very long trip ahead and who needs good quality entertainment that is also educational.