The first of fifteen updated editions of the collected Mathematical Games of Martin Gardner, king of recreational mathematics.

A flexagon is a motion structure that has the appearance of a ring of hinged polygons. It can be flexed to display different pairs of faces, usually in cyclic order. Flexagons can be appreciated as toys or puzzles, as a recreational mathematics topic, and as the subject of serious mathematical study. Workable paper models of flexagons are easy to make and entertaining to manipulate. The mathematics of flexagons is complex, and how a flexagon works is not immediately obvious on examination of a paper model. Recent geometric analysis, included in the book, has improved theoretical understanding of flexagons, especially relationships between different types. This profusely illustrated book is arranged in a logical order appropriate for a textbook on the geometry of flexagons. It is written so that it can be enjoyed at both the recreational mathematics level, and at the serious mathematics level. The only prerequisite is some knowledge of elementary geometry, including properties of polygons. A feature of the book is a compendium of over 100 nets for making paper models of some of the more interesting flexagons, chosen to complement the text. These are accurately drawn and reproduced at half full size. Many of the nets have not previously been published. Instructions for assembling and manipulating the flexagons are included.

This book of the earliest of Gardner's enormously popular Scientific American columns and puzzles continues to challenge and fascinate readers. Now the author, in consultation with experts, has added updates to all the chapters, including new game variations, mathematical proofs, and other developments and discoveries.

Selections from his monthly column on mathematical recreations in the "Scientific American," with much new material, and comments from Mr. Gardner and his readers.

Martin Gardner's Mathematical Games columns in Scientific American inspired and entertained several generations of mathematicians and scientists. Gardner in his crystal-clear prose illuminated corners of mathematics, especially recreational mathematics, that most people had no idea existed. His playful spirit and inquisitive nature invite the reader into an exploration of beautiful mathematical ideas along with him. These columns were both a revelation and a gift when he wrote them; no one--before Gardner--had written about mathematics like this. They continue to be a marvel. This volume, originally published in 1959, contains the first sixteen columns published in the magazine from 1956-1958. They were reviewed and briefly updated by Gardner for this 1988 edition.

An essential guide to the concepts of probability theory that puts the focus on models and applications Introduction to Probability offers an authoritative text that presents the main ideas and concepts, as well as the theoretical background, models, and applications of probability. The authors—noted experts in the field—include a review of problems where probabilistic models naturally arise, and discuss the methodology to tackle these problems. A wide-range of topics are covered that include the concepts of probability and conditional probability, univariate discrete distributions, univariate continuous distributions, along with a detailed presentation of the most important probability distributions used in practice, with their main properties and applications. Designed as a useful guide, the text contains theory of probability, de finitions, charts, examples with solutions, illustrations, self-assessment exercises, computational exercises, problems and a glossary. This important text: • Includes classroom-tested problems and solutions to probability exercises • Highlights real-world exercises designed to make clear the concepts presented • Uses Mathematica software to illustrate the text’s computer exercises • Features applications representing worldwide situations and processes • Offers two types of self-assessment exercises at the end of each chapter, so that students may review the material in that chapter and monitor their progress. Written for students majoring in statistics, engineering, operations research, computer science, physics, and mathematics, Introduction to Probability: Models and Applications is an accessible text that explores the basic concepts of probability and includes detailed information on models and applications.