The Moscow Puzzles: 359 Mathematical RecreationsThis is, quite simply, the best and most popular puzzle book ever published in the Soviet Union. Since its first appearance in 1956 there have been eight editions as well as translations from the original Russian into Ukrainian, Estonian, Lettish, and Lithuanian. Almost a million copies of the Russian version alone have been sold. Part of the reason for the book's success is its marvelously varied assortment of brainteasers ranging from simple "catch" riddles to difficult problems (none, however, requiring advanced mathematics). Many of the puzzles will be new to Western readers, while some familiar problems have been clothed in new forms. Often the puzzles are presented in the form of charming stories that provide non-Russian readers with valuable insights into contemporary Russian life and customs. In addition, Martin Gardner, former editor of the Mathematical Games Department, Scientific American, has clarified and simplified the book to make it as easy as possible for an English-reading public to understand and enjoy. He has been careful, moreover, to retain nearly all the freshness, warmth, and humor of the original. Lavishly illustrated with over 400 clear diagrams and amusing sketches, this inexpensive edition of the first English translation will offer weeks or even months of stimulating entertainment. It belongs in the library of every puzzlist or lover of recreational mathematics. |
Contents
Amusing Problems | 1 |
Difficult Problems | 31 |
Geometry with Matches | 50 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
9-remainder A B C D A₁ answer arranged b₁ ball basket bicycle cells checkers circle clock coins column congruent cross Cross Sums cube dacha diameter dice difference digit sum divide divisible by 37 divisor dominoes dots equal equation equilateral triangle example Fibonacci figurate numbers four four-digit number fourth fraction girl groups half hole hour hand integers KNIGHT PROBLEM larger polygons last digit leaves Lewis Carroll magic constant magic square main diagonals Martin Gardner matches MATHEMATICAL miles per hour Moscow moves multiply number is divisible odd number pairs palindrome pencil Petya picks player positive integer prime numbers problem is given PUZZLES rectangle remainder result route SAM LOYD shown side solutions solve speed square of order straight lines subtract takes TEST OF DIVISIBILITY third thought three-digit number tiles train two-digit number walk Weighing white car wins WYTHOFF'S GAME