Power-Up
Unlocking the Hidden Mathematics in Video Games
Published on 19. November 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
296 pages
978-0-691-19638-1 (ISBN)
Description
A fun and lively look at the mathematical ideas concealed in video games
Did you know that every time you pick up the controller to your PlayStation or Xbox, you are entering a world steeped in mathematics? Matthew Lane reveals the hidden mathematics in many of today's most popular video games-and explains why mathematical learning doesn't just happen in the classroom. He discusses how gamers are engaging with the traveling salesman problem when they play Assassin's Creed, why it is mathematically impossible for Mario to jump through the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Mario Bros., how The Sims teaches us the mathematical costs of relationships, and more. Power-Up shows how the world of video games is an unexpectedly rich medium for learning about the mathematical ideas that touch our lives-including our virtual ones.
Did you know that every time you pick up the controller to your PlayStation or Xbox, you are entering a world steeped in mathematics? Matthew Lane reveals the hidden mathematics in many of today's most popular video games-and explains why mathematical learning doesn't just happen in the classroom. He discusses how gamers are engaging with the traveling salesman problem when they play Assassin's Creed, why it is mathematically impossible for Mario to jump through the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Mario Bros., how The Sims teaches us the mathematical costs of relationships, and more. Power-Up shows how the world of video games is an unexpectedly rich medium for learning about the mathematical ideas that touch our lives-including our virtual ones.
Reviews / Votes
"Are you a video game enthusiast who is getting tired of being asked 'How can you waste time on such stuff?' This book is your answer! Matthew Lane skillfully weaves a tale of how video games can be important tools for teaching mathematics and physics. As a long-time video gamer, I highly recommend Power-Up."-Paul J. Nahin, author of In Praise of Simple Physics "What a delightful journey through the math of hidden worlds! This is much more than a book about video games. It's an exploration of interconnectedness and an invitation for the perpetually curious."-Karim Ani, founder of Mathalicious "A fun survey."-Paul Taylor, Aperiodical "A very readable book."-Computing ReviewsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New Jersey
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
130 color illus.
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
541 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-691-19638-1 (9780691196381)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2017
1st Edition
Princeton University Press
€21.49
Available for download
Person
Matthew Lane is a mathematician and cofounder of Rithm School, where he works with aspiring software engineers. He writes about the intersection of mathematics and popular culture at mattlane.us.