FYSM 192 - Magic Squares and More:The Mathematics of Sudoku,and Other Puzzles

Institution:

Trinity College

Subject:

Description:

Ever played Sudoku If so, you are not alone! Sudoku, like the Rubik's cube before it, is an addictive puzzle that has taken the world by storm. Playing Sudoku requires no knowledge of mathematics, though it is an example of something called a Magic Square. Magic squares have been around for over 3,000 years. They are descendants of the oldest known number mystery, the legend of Lo Shu, found in China in a book entitled Yih King. As Clifford Pickover remarks in his book, The Zen of Magic Squares, Circles, and Stars: An Exhibition of Surprising Structures Across Dimensions, Chinese emperors, Babylonian astrologer-priests, prehistoric cave people in France, and ancient Mayans of the Yucatan all were convinced that magic squares--arrays filled with numbers or letters in certain arrangements--held the secret of the universe. Since the dawn of civilization, he writes, humans have invoked such patterns to ward off evil and bring good fortune. In this seminar we will begin with a look at magic squares of all types. Our goal will be to understand how to solve and how to create magic squares and why they are so interesting. Then, we will take what we have learned and use it to understand a bit about the game of Sudoku. Finally, we will take a look at other games and puzzles and see if we can understand how they work. No specific mathematical knowledge is needed for this seminar. It should be taken by anyone who likes games and puzzles, and is comfortable with numbers and logic. Paula Russo is the Vice President for Planning, Administration, and Affirmative Action and an Associate Professor of Mathematics. Prof. Russo has taught a wide range of courses from introductory statistics to mathematical analysis and differential equations. She also has an interest in the applications of mathematics to other fields, particularly biology and environmental science. 1.00 units, Seminar

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.Trincoll.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 297-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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