This book contains "math mind benders," puzzles that are worked like crossword puzzles except that each square is filled with a digit rather than a letter. Clues to the puzzles are interrelated with each other and a given story. Clear thinking and deductive reasoning must be used to find potential answers and eliminate those that fail to meet all…

Calculation of the percentage of work completed when the edges of jigsaw puzzles have been assembled provides interesting problems. (SD)

Two important factors that influence problem solving are the nature of the task and the kind of knowledge brought to the problem by the solver. After a consideration of the definition of a problem, puzzle problems are discussed, as are problem representation and general processes of solution. Also discussed is the question of solving problems that…

A technique is given for solving problems involving a balance scale and a number of coins which are to be sorted in a certain number of weighings. (MP)

Discusses some theorems and properties of figures produced when circles are tangent to one another. (GA)

Presents a problem drawn from real life that addresses finding a way to cross all seven bridges of Konigsberg, Russia. Illustrates a set of simple examples and an instructional approach in order for students to make sense of a seemingly impossible problem. (ASK)

Providing entertainment and recreation at home and in the classroom, this book presents over 125 verbal, visual, and logic puzzles which may also enhance problem-solving abilities and improve language skills. The games in the book are arranged in chapters: (1) Picture Puzzles; (2) Word Play; (3) Games and Trivia; (4) Mystery, Logic, and Numbers;…

This book features a collection of 54 decimal number puzzles designed to provide experiences in problem solving and mathematical reasoning for middle and high school students. Each puzzle consists of a sequence of 10 clues about an unknown decimal number. The clues, when revealed one at a time, lead students through deductive reasoning to the…

Methods for solving logic puzzles which focus on thought-free procedures that facilitate solution are discussed. Two of the procedures noted pertain to the interior of any submatrix, whereas others span several submatrices. A puzzle is presented at the conclusion as an exercise for practicing the methods promoted. (MP)

Describes the types of mathematical games or puzzles that can be used in foreign language courses and dicusses the purposes they serve. Emphasizes their effectiveness as motivational learning stimuli and points out that they can be used either as instructional or reinforcement devices which force the student to "think" in the foreign language.…

Twenty puzzles originally posed by Sam Loyd (1841-1911) are presented. Solutions are provided. (SD)

Provides a classification scheme for four-by-four magic squares. Presents some classroom activities. Introduces a notation system for individual cells in the square. (JM)

Eleven activities with a puzzle consisting of 12 five-square shapes are presented, with some solutions illustrated. (MNS)

Cross-number puzzles are presented as both learning devices and as means of student evaluation. (MP)

This book is designed to provide middle-grade mathematics teachers with ideas for enlivening instruction to help students acquire a sense about numbers. Guided classroom discussions for writing opportunities centered on the theme of problem solving are provided. Following an introduction, chapters include the following: Counterintuitive Problems;…