A mathematical model and a computer tool for the Tower of Hanoi and Tower of London puzzles

We propose a mathematical model for the Towers of Hanoi and London based on state graphs. The analysis of this model allows to address questions like equivalence of puzzles, difficulty of tasks and optimality of solutions using topological, metric and symmetry properties of the corresponding graphs....

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inInformation sciences Vol. 179; no. 17; pp. 2934 - 2947
Main Authors Hinz, Andreas M., Kostov, Anton, Kneißl, Fabian, Sürer, Fatma, Danek, Adrian
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Inc 05.08.2009
Subjects
Computerized test
State graphs
Tower of Hanoi
Tower of London
State graphs
Tower of Hanoi
Tower of London
Computerized test
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:We propose a mathematical model for the Towers of Hanoi and London based on state graphs. The analysis of this model allows to address questions like equivalence of puzzles, difficulty of tasks and optimality of solutions using topological, metric and symmetry properties of the corresponding graphs. The mathematical model serves as a base for a computer program to administer tower puzzles in a variety of psychological test situations. It is suitable for bedside use and is equipped with numerous devices for post-processing of recorded data. Among these features is the graphical representation of the projection of the path taken by a test person onto the state graph.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ISSN:0020-0255
1872-6291
DOI:10.1016/j.ins.2009.04.010