Maths behind the IQ Mini

Did you know there’s a lot maths involved in creating a SmartGame? Even fields of maths such as geometry and logic can be used to solve IQ Mini challenges. Who said math couldn’t be enjoyable? !

What is IQ mini?

Mini was designed by Alain Brobecker, a Smart game designer and Rein Lambrichts. The packing problem is to arrange 6 3D puzzles on a grid. The grid is made up of 3 “blockers” that can be moved, giving Mini the option to create 193 grids. This is a simple, pocket-sized game that introduces people to more challenging IQ games.

What role does math play in the development of IQ Mini?

Combinatorics is used a lot when developing games such as the Mini. Combinatorics, a branch of mathematics, is concerned with counting as both a means to obtain results and a goal, and also certain properties of finite structure. It has many applications, ranging from logic and statistical physics to computer science and evolutionary biology. We could count and calculate all the possible grid placements for blockers and pieces by writing a computer program. All grid-possibilities are created with at least one solution.

Use mathematics to solve IQ Mini challenges

Yes, you can! In the IQ Mini WebApp generated challenge below, you can see two areas: The area above the two puzzle pieces on gameboard has a surface with 7 empty cells and the one below has 8 cells. There are 3 pieces that will fill 4 cells, and 1 piece that will fill 3 cells. Which area will you put the 3 cell piece?

Fun fact: gymnasts

Playing these games repeatedly will improve your spatial and math abilities. Did you know, for example, that most gymnasts can solve 2D and 3-D packing problems very quickly? Gymnasts have developed incredible spatial insight and orientation skills. For example, they need to align their body position and orientation with their posture to land optimally. They can also use these spatial insights in their daily lives (when packing for a holiday or playing games such as this! ).