The joy of set : the many mathematical dimensions of a seemingly simple card game / Liz McMahon [and three others].

Author
McMahon, Liz (Elizabeth Wagner) [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2017]
Description
xii, 306 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 25 cm

Availability

Available Online

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Lewis Library - Stacks QA95 .J875 2017 Browse related items Request

    Details

    Subject(s)
    Summary note
    "Have you ever played the addictive card game SET? Have you ever wondered about the connections between games and mathematics? . . . The Joy of SET takes readers on a fascinating journey into this seemingly simple card game and reveals its surprisingly deep and diverse mathematical dimensions. Absolutely no mathematical background is necessary to enjoy this book - all you need is a sense of curiosity and adventure. Originally invented in 1974 by Marsha Falco and officially released in 1991, SET has gained a widespread, loyal following. SET's eighty-one cards consist of one, two, or three symbols of different shapes (diamond, oval, squiggle), shadings (solid, striped, open), and colors (green, purple, red). In order to win, players must identify 'sets' of three cards for which each characteristic is the same - or different - on all the cards. SET's strategic and unique design opens connections to a plethora of mathematical disciplines, including geometry, modular arithmetic, combinatorics, probability, linear algebra, and computer simulations. The Joy of SET looks at these areas as well as avenues for further mathematical exploration. As the authors show, the relationship between SET and mathematics runs in both directions - playing this game has generated new mathematics, and the math has led to new questions about the game itself."--Provided by publisher.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references and index.
    Contents
    • 1.SET and You
    • 2.Counting Fun!
    • 3.Probability!
    • 4.SET and Modular Arithmetic
    • 5.SET and Geometry
    • Interlude: How to Improve at SET
    • 6.More Combinatorics
    • 7.Probability and Statistics
    • 8.Vectors and Linear Algebra
    • 9.Affine Geometry Plus
    • 10.Computing and Simulations.
    ISBN
    • 9780691166148 (hardcover ; : alkaline paper)
    • 0691166145 (hardcover ; : alkaline paper)
    • 9780691192321 (paperback)
    • 0691192324 (paperback)
    LCCN
    2016016189
    OCLC
    946770137
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