Areas of Science Pure Mathematics
Difficulty
Time Required Average (6-10 days)
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Abstract

Almost all of the games we play are based on math in some way or another. Card games, board games, and computer games are designed using statistics, probabilities, and algorithms. Begin by reading about games and game theory. Then you can choose your favorite game and investigate the mathematical principles behind how it works. Can combinatorial game theory help you to win two-player games of perfect knowledge such as go, chess, or checkers? (Weisstein, 2006; Watkins, 2004) In a multi-player game like Dots and Boxes, does the first player have an advantage? Can you formulate a winning strategy against an opponent? In single-player games can you beat the game with an algorithm? Can you invent your own game using mathematical concepts? Can you describe the math behind traditional or cultural games? Artificial Intelligence: Teaching the Computer to Play Tic-Tac-Toe

Bibliography

  • Watkins, J., 2004. Across the Board: The Mathematics of Chessboard Problems. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
  • Weisstein, E.W., 2006 Games. From MathWorld—A Wolfram Web Resource. Retrieved 5/1/06.

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MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Playing Games." Science Buddies, 20 Nov. 2020, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Math_p033/pure-mathematics/playing-games. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2020, November 20). Playing Games. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Math_p033/pure-mathematics/playing-games


Last edit date: 2020-11-20

Experimental Procedure

For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

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