What Math Games Can Be Played with Just Pencil and Paper?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ToxicBug
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Games
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around various math games that can be played using just pencil and paper, particularly in settings where individuals may be looking for solo activities or games that can involve multiple players. The scope includes both solitary and group games, with a focus on recreational mathematical activities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recall a game involving a table of numbers where the goal is to write a number underneath that sums to a specific total, like 13, although details are vague.
  • Another game mentioned requires players to write down increasing integers, with the objective of reaching infinity first, emphasizing the competitive aspect.
  • A participant describes a two-player game where players add chosen integers to reach a designated number, noting that there are strategies to ensure victory.
  • One participant suggests a game where players double a starting number in their heads, which may be perceived as less engaging but still enjoyable.
  • Another game involves determining the product of two randomly chosen 4-digit numbers without using any writing tools, highlighting a mental math challenge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various games and experiences, but there is no consensus on a single game being the best or most enjoyable. The discussion reflects a range of preferences and interpretations of what constitutes a math game.

Contextual Notes

Some games mentioned may depend on the number of players or specific rules that are not fully detailed, leaving room for interpretation and variation in gameplay.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals looking for engaging math-related activities that can be played alone or with others, particularly in informal settings such as classrooms or during free time.

ToxicBug
Messages
84
Reaction score
0
I played some sort of a math game a long time ago. It was about making a table with some precise numbers and then writing number under it that represent the sum of 13 or something with the numbers on top, but I really can't remember now since I played it last time was 5 years ago.

So, does anyone know any math games that can be played alone with a pencil and paper when there is nothing to do in class? :)
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
ToxicBug said:
I played some sort of a math game a long time ago. It was about making a table with some precise numbers and then writing number under it that represent the sum of 13 or something with the numbers on top, but I really can't remember now since I played it last time was 5 years ago.

So, does anyone know any math games that can be played alone with a pencil and paper when there is nothing to do in class? :)

We used to play the following game (however it needs two or more players): each player writes down an integer (real) number in his turn. The only restriction - the next number must be greater than the previous one. The one who reaches the infinity first - wins :)))
 
Hahaha!

I used to play one with my father, you choose an interger 1 - 10 and add it to what the previous person chose (example: I start by choosing 6 and then you decide to choose 5 so so your number would be 11). Continue picking until you reach some designated number, who ever has to say the last number is the loser. Of course you can mathamatically figure out how to win every time, there are just certain numbers you have to hit.

Edit: Sorry that is a two player game. I guess you could find out how to be the winner everytime by yourself.
 
You'll probably find this "game" really boring, but I think it's fun. Start with 1, then keep doubling the number in your head until you get too high to continue.

If you have at least three people you can play this other "game" - Have a neutral person randomly pick two 4-digit numbers. Of the remaining two people, the first person to correctly determine the product of these two numbers, using no paper, no pencil, just his/her mind wins. I used to do this in math class in high school and found two 4-digit numbers to be about the right level of difficulty. Of course you can invent infinite variations to this.
 
Pseudopod said:
You'll probably find this "game" really boring, but I think it's fun. Start with 1, then keep doubling the number in your head until you get too high to continue.

If you have at least three people you can play this other "game" - Have a neutral person randomly pick two 4-digit numbers. Of the remaining two people, the first person to correctly determine the product of these two numbers, using no paper, no pencil, just his/her mind wins. I used to do this in math class in high school and found two 4-digit numbers to be about the right level of difficulty. Of course you can invent infinite variations to this.

I used two digit numbers... 4 digit games would last minutes!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
5K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K