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MATHEMATICAL GAMES.

Authors :
Gardner, Martin
Source :
Scientific American; Feb1961, Vol. 204 Issue 2, p146-154, 5p, 1 Diagram
Publication Year :
1961

Abstract

The article presents several mathematical games related to ellipse. This game is tracing a perfect ellipse. One example is the two thumbtacks that stick in a sheet of paper, putting a loop of string around them and keep the string taut with the point of a pencil. Moving a pencil around the tacks will trace a perfect ellipse. Another method can be demonstrated with a circular cake pan and a cardboard disk having half the diameter of the pan.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00368733
Volume :
204
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Scientific American
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
19881679
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0261-146