Mathematical Pandora's Box, A

This is another one in the series of mathematical puzzle books. But this last is something of a misnomer for they contain, in addition to many puzzles, a mix of mathematical games, tricks, models to make, and explanations of interesting ideas and phenomena. The collection put together here contains, in all, 142 new items gleaned from many sources. Some of the ideas are hundreds of years old while others are entirely original and published here for the first time. The experienced mathematician will often be aware of the underlying theory which is the basis of a puzzle, but its solution does not normally require any great mathematical knowledge; rather it requires mathematical insight and tenacity. The ability to persist, to reflect, to research, and to call on other experiences is the key o to a successful conclusion. When all else fails there is the detailed, but essential, commentary at the end of the book which will often add more insight even when you have found a solution and will sometimes offer a follow-up problem. None of the solutions are knowingly incorrect, but there may well be better ones.