John H Lettau

Mad Scientist Magic Number Machine Book One John H Lettau

Mad Scientist Magic Number Machine Book One is a collection of puzzles related to creative thinking, pattern searching and problem solving. The Mad Scientist created a device that he uses to have students think creatively. The activity is a "guess my pattern" game. Math = Patterns + Thinking and when students utilize their creative thinking skills and at the same time search for patterns they are on their way to doing anything in mathematics. Mathematics is all about patterns. The Magic Number Machine is very simple in nature...a number called x, is inserted in the machine and it goes though a formula process and the outcome is a number called y. The object is to determine what formula the machine uses to arrive at y. Each puzzle starts with three sample equations as follows...in x 2 out y 8 in x 5 out y 20 in x 9 out y 36. In this case the machine applied the formula to 2, 5 & 9 and arrived at 8, 20 & 36. The outcomes y's are greater than the input so addition, multiplication or a combination of operations are part of the formula. The formula applied is x times 4 = y 2 times 4 = 8 etc. Use the diagram on the next page to create a transparency that can be used to present the concept before assigning the various puzzles as classwork and/or assignments. Students need to be creative using addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc when searching for solutions to each puzzle. Have fun and think!!!