Problèmes plaisans et delectables qui se font par les nombres

work by Bachet

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July 13, 2026

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The Problèmes plaisans et delectables qui se font par les nombres (1612) is a significant work by Claude-Gaspar Bachet de Méziriac. This collection of recreational mathematical problems, which went through five editions, emphasized arithmetic puzzles over geometric ones. Bachet's work explored various topics, including number bases other than ten, card tricks, and puzzles related to numbering schemes. It also featured challenging problems such as determining the minimum set of weights needed to measure any integer weight from one to forty pounds, and complex crossing or ferry problems. This book is considered a forerunner to similar collections of mathematical recreations.1

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number game
Pioneers and imitators
…of numbers (1621), and his Problèmes plaisans et delectables qui se font par les nombres (1612). The latter passed through five editions, the last as late as 1959; it was the forerunner of similar collections of recreations to follow. The emphasis was placed on arithmetic rather than geometric puzzles. Among…
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…of numbers (1621), and his Problèmes plaisans et delectables qui se font par les nombres (1612). The latter passed through five editions, the last as late as 1959; it was the forerunner of similar collections of recreations to follow. The emphasis was placed on arithmetic rather than geometric puzzles. Among…
Read More