Mathematics Home Product Info Site Map Search Contact Us

Use groups of 2.
20 Inputs

In this game, you will find output values of functions given specific input values.

Here are the rules of the game.

  1. Player 1 writes down a function involving multiplication and addition of whole number values. For example, f(x) = 2x + 3. Subtraction and division are not allowed.
  2. Player 2 then tries to guess the function by asking player 1 what the output value of the function would be given a particular input value. For the above example, if player 2 gave the input value of 2, player 1 would respond with an output value of 7.
  3. Player 2 should record this input and output on a sheet of scratch paper and then make a guess as to player 1's function. If player 2 correctly guesses player 1's function, he or she receives a score of one point. The two players swap roles to play the next round. If player 2 guesses incorrectly, he or she asks the output for a second input value, a third input value, and so on, until he or she can correctly guess player 1's function. Player 2 receives one point for each output value he or she requests. The maximum number of outputs a player can request is 20.

Play several rounds. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

(Hint: It is helpful to begin by requesting the output value for the input value of 0.)