Playing with Group Theory: brainteasers, puzzles and other mathematical toys

Abstract

In this paper we show how to model and to analyse the solubility of some puzzles, brainteasers and other mathematical toys. We make use of basic group theory concepts and the computational algebraic system GAP (Groups, Algorithms and Programming). The main purpose is to motivate beginner students in this algebraic theory, and also to show the playful applicability to advanced students.

Keywords

• Puzzles
• Permutaciones
• Teoría de Grupos
• Modelización