Illuminations: Strikes and Spares
Two bowlers play a game against each other. The first player rolls a strike in the first frame, a spare in the second frame, and then alternately throws strikes and spares the rest of the game. The second player doesn’t throw a single strike. The first player wins, of course, but what is the smallest possible margin of victory under these circumstances?
This brainteaser was written by Derrick Niederman.
Problem and solution
Illuminations works to serve you by increasing access to quality standards-based resources for teaching and learning mathematics, including interactive tools for students and instructional support for teachers.
What are you looking for?
Organization
Website URL
Type of Resource
PDF File
Assigned Categories
Resource k12
Two bowlers play a game against each other. The first player rolls a strike in the first frame, a spare in the second frame, and then alternately throws strikes and spares the rest of the game. The second player doesn’t throw a single strike. The first player wins, of course, but what is the smallest possible margin of victory under these circumstances?
This brainteaser was written by Derrick Niederman.
Problem and solution
Illuminations works to serve you by increasing access to quality standards-based resources for teaching and learning mathematics, including interactive tools for students and instructional support for teachers.
What are you looking for?
Organization
Website URL
Type of Resource
PDF File
