In order to investigate the use of strategies in a game-playing computer program, "Gammon," a computer program that plays Backgammon, was developed. It focuses on the play of a given strategy, as well as the process of strategy selection, and examines the concept of strategy as an integrating and driving force in the play of a game. A…

The purpose of this paper is to present problems (and solutions) from the areas of marketing, population planning, system reliability, and mathematics to show how a computer simulation can be used as a problem-solving strategy in probability. Examples using BASIC and two methods of generating random numbers are given. (Author/MP)

How a computer randomly generates numbers to turn off lighted blocks on a graphics display is discussed. A computer program is given after reviewing a definition and two theorems and applying them to the problem. (MNS)

The problem involves randomly breaking a stick into three pieces and using the pieces to form a triangle. The probability of getting a triangle is calculated using four different solution methods. Two unique problem interpretations are noted, and one solution method involves a BASIC program. (MP)

Some activities designed around the Monte Carlo method of solving probability problems are described. The instructional applications of this method involve physical models or simple BASIC computer programs. (MP)

The probability of winning the contest was analyzed, with the mathematical solution and a computer simulation given. A flowchart and computer program are both included. (MNS)

This collection of documents promotes simulation as an attractive topic in mathematics instruction that provides game-like activities likely to interest pupils, by illustrating the important ideas of probability and showing how mathematical models can be used in practical problems clearly relevant to everyday life. While computer programs written…