MATH.1040 Mathematical Games
This class is a mathematical treatment of strategy. To develop a concrete notion of winning strategy, we examine a number of classic combinatorial games, including possibly NIM, Frogs and Toads, Hackenbush, and Hex. We also examine simultaneous move games and Nash equilibrium. Sudoku type puzzles will be used in parallel as a kind of mathematical calisthenics. Students will learn through active game play in class, so participation is key. The emphasis is not on winning, but on learning to clearly explain what is going on in a particular game and why. Foundational mathematical ideas such as modular arithmetic, binary numbers, parity, and counting methods will arise naturally in the course of our explorations. No prior knowledge is assumed.
LA