Puzzles to puzzle you PDF
Preview Puzzles to puzzle you
Match your wits with the "human computer". S h a k u n t a ia D e vi PUZZLES TO PUZZLE YOU ORIENT ^PAPERBACKS Pozzies to Puzzle You Mathematics is not always hard, mind-boggling stuff, it can also be simple, interesting and delightful. Many famous mathematicians are known to be devoted to peg-jumping puzzles, and it is perhaps this kind cf play that leads them on to scientific discoveries. The puzzles presented in this book are by none other than the world-renowned mathematical prodigy, Shakuntala Devi. These are meant to develop one's wit and sharpen his intellectual faculties. There is adventure, excitement and delight in them—and also purposefni entertainment. f Shakuntala Devi has been regarded by the West as an "authentic heroine of the twentieth century". She calculates faster than the fastest computer, and her feats have flabbergasted those who have witnessed them. She also writes—on subjects as varied as mathematics, crime and homosexuality. By the same author in ORIENT PAPERBACKS • Perfect Murder PUZZLES TO PUZZLE YOU Shakuntala Devi ORIENT PAPERBACKS First Published: 1976 Reprinted : 1980 Puzzles to Puzzle You © Shakuntala Devi, 1979 Published by Orient Paperbacks (A Division of Vision Books Private Limited) 36-C, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001 PRINTED IN INDIA at Batra Art Printer! A 86/1, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase I New DeIhi-110 028 'Amusement is one of the fields of applied mathematics —W. F. White ii I PREFACE What is mathematics? It is only a systematic effort of solving puzzles posed by nature. Recreational mathematics, in a way, is pure mathe- matics and it is often difficult to distinguish pure mathe- matics from recreational mathematics. However, it may also be considered applied mathematics in the sense it satisfies the human need for intellectual play. And solving wits and puzzles, in a way, helps to develop wit and ingenuity. The pedagogic value of recreational mathematics is now widely recognised and creative mathematicians are never embarrassed to show their interest in recreational topics. Today one finds an increasing emphasis on it in journa's published for mathematical instructors and in modern text books. It is said that the famous mathematician Leibniz devoted considerable time to the study of peg-jumping puzzles. And it is also a well known fact that Prof. Albert Einstein's bookshelf was stacked with books on mathematical games and puzzles. It is creative thoughts bestowed on such mathematical play, that has led many a great mind to scientific discoveries. While solving of the mathematical puzzles and riddles may provide pleasant relaxation to some, undoubtedly these items have a way of hooking the students' interest as little else can. So ;ne of the puzzles I am posing in the following 7 pages show very elegant facts and proofs in mathematics. Many who, consider the subject dull and boring will see that some facts of mathematics can be quite simple, in- teresting and even beautiful. These are not riddles made to deceive, or nonsensical puzzles which are made to tease the mind without purpose. The puzzles included in this book are straightforward exercises in reason and statement of facts from which a person with reasonably agile mind can proceed to a logical conclusion. I have no doubt my readers will find adventure, ex- citement, and delight in cracking the clean, sharply defined, and mysterious order that underly the puzzles, and experience enormous intellectual entertainment. —Shakuntala Devi 8
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