How is math used in games?

Answer 1

Despite popular belief, math is used in almost every game. There is even a branch of mathematics called "game theory" which studies the properties of all sorts of games in order to find the optimal strategy(s).

Game theory has come a long way in the 20th century. Among some of the developments is a theorem: "Every finite 2-player game with perfect information has optimal strategies all resulting in the same outcome." In short, in games like Chess, Go, Connect4, TicTacToe etc., either one player can *always* win or *always* force a draw- regardless of whatever strategy the opponent uses. Incidently, TicTacToe can always draw, Connect4 can always have the first player win. And Chess and Go have yet to be decided (though with high confidence, it is beleived that Black cannot always win in Chess).

The biggest problem with using "hardcore" math with most games is that the time of computation is so large it is impractical.

Beyond games with perfect info is probability. Games with dice or cards have elements of chance. With chance, it is important for players to understand what chance they are taking and their reward. A player that understand the risks will win games far more often than others.

With probability comes utility. Utility is a concept that not all resources have linear value. For example, if you have all the money you need, then additional money really is not worth a whole lot.

When you combine the ideas of probability and utility, you can describe most any board game. For example, in Monopoly, with a concept of probability called Markov Chains and utility, players and experts have discovered that Boardwalk and Park Place are not necesarrily the best poperties to have as a monopoly (instead, the orange and red monopolies generally are better).

Math has even hit popular sports. In the 1990s, the Oakland Athletics pioneered a new practice in baseball known as "sabrmetrics." The idea is the position players (whether in the line-up, pitcher position, etc.) so that the team uses their maximum potential. This requires a lot of high-tech math and statistics. This way the Athletics could complete with a low budget and lesser-known players. It worked, and now, most MLB teams use sabrmetrics. In fact, many sports across the world utilize statistitians to some degree.

Many games use more math than people realize- and in fact. And in short, math is the key to being able to win at most every game. The first step is realizing that.

Answer 2

In Monopoly u use math 2 buy and sell property and make profits

In Life you have 2 pay and make money

Simpler math is used in games 4 younger kidslike snakes and ladders when u count the steps.

Answer 3

In the game of scrabble math is used to figure the number of points you have just scored.

In the game of Life math is used to determine how much money you have at the end of the game.

In the game of monopoly you use math to count money, buy property, collect rent, etc...

Answer 4

Xbox 360

Answer 5

Probability is very important in backgammon and most gambling games. Keeping score, counting money are all parts of math.

Answer 6

well you get special math games to use in lessons and stuff, but the main thing i can think of is like general board games that have a dice would help teach really young children to count?....maybe...?

Answer 7

Your questions wasn't clear so I will answer by saying math is used in every aspect of life to deterimine outcomes, odds and so on

Answer 8

math isn't used in games smart one!

Answer 9

what kind of games. Board games you roll a dice and count the number of squares you have to move. some video games you have to count the number of time you have to hit a key to get them to do time special move you want.

Answer 10

it's used in any game that keeps a numerical score. Scrabble, for example.