Tutorial: How to Solve a KenKen Puzzle

Tutorial: Learn How to Solve a KenKen Puzzle

After the Sudoku Fun from yesterday, I decided to try the next upcoming "craze": KenKen. First of all why is it called KenKen? "'KEN' means wisdom in Japanese. KenKen means "wisdom squared," but you'll also gain some square wisdom as you solve our puzzle blocks!". If you want to learn more you can go visit the official website here: KenKen HQ.

KenKen Rules in Solving a Puzzle

For a 3x3 puzzle, fill in with numbers 1-3.
For a 4x4 puzzle, fill in with numbers 1-4.
For a 5x5 puzzle, fill in with numbers 1-5.
For a 6x6 puzzle, fill in with the numbers 1-6.
For a 7x7 puzzle, fill in with the numbers 1-7.
For a 8x8 puzzle, fill in with the numbers 1-8.
For a 9x9 puzzle, fill in with the numbers 1-9.

Do not repeat a number in any row or column.
The numbers in each heavily outlined set of squares, called cages, must combine (in any order) to produce the target number in the top corner of the cage using the mathematical operation indicated.
Cages with just one box should be filled in with the target number in the top corner.
A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not in the same row or column.

I gave KenKen a try:

My First KenKen Puzzle
My First Ever KenKen Puzzle I've solved. It's a 4x4 Puzzle on the Easy level. From KenKen
My Second KenKen Puzzle
My Second KenKen Puzzle after this one. This time I attempted a 6x6 matrix on easy level.
My Third KenKen Puzzle
This is my third successful attempt at KenKen after growing tired of doing the easy level. I skipped the medium difficulty level to attempt a 6x6 KenKen matrix on Hard level.
My Fourth KenKen Puzzle
This is my fourth KenKen puzzle for the day, after doing the first, second and the last one. This time I completed the 8x8 KenKen puzzle on the hardest difficulty setting.
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  • My Fourth KenKen Puzzle: This is my fourth KenKen puzzle for the day, after doing the first , second and the last one . This time I completed the 8x8 KenKen puzzle on the hardest difficulty setting. From KenKen ...
  • My First KenKen Puzzle: My First Ever KenKen Puzzle I've solved. It's a 4x4 Puzzle on the Easy level. From KenKen ...
  • My Second KenKen Puzzle: My Second KenKen Puzzle after this one . This time I attempted a 6x6 matrix on easy level. From KenKen ...
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Tutorial: How to Solve a KenKen Puzzle
 
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Submitted by Brian (not verified) on Wed, 20/05/2009 - 10:40am.

Wow, it seems you learned pretty quickly. It took me a bit longer to get to the difficult 9x9s.

I've made a series of videos of how to solve an easy kenken, and how to solve a difficult 9x9 kenken that doesn't even show the operation signs.

You can check them out at Kenken at the Math Mojo Chronicles.

You've done a nice job with your blog. Keep up the good work!

Brian (a.k.a. Professor Homunculus at mathmojo.com)

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