Commentary: The Factor Game

 

            The factor game is often used in elementary and middle school to help kids learn multiplication and factoring; however game strategy is not always trivial, and the game leads into number theory topics such as perfect, abundant, and deficient numbers.  My favorite classroom experience with this game was on a day when I didn’t feel well, and I really didn’t feel like teaching (this was in a class for students who didn’t do well on our then placement test).  It was the first time I had a projection unit available, and I just set it up and let the class play against the computer applet (this was a version that’s no longer online; the board went to 60 or so).  About three-fourths of the class was completely engaged, arguing with each other about possible moves and consequences.  In an hour and twenty minute period, they played twice.  The second time they came close to beating the computer. 

            The version here is as a paper, focusing on analyzing things that lead into number theory topics.

 

 

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