March 5th, 2023 - 5x5 KenKen - New York Times

Summary

In this video, the speaker enthusiastically solves the New York Times King's Camp puzzles, which they were unable to attempt earlier due to travel. They methodically work through the five and four-number puzzles, using logical deductions to fill in the numbers. The process involves identifying possible numbers for each space, eliminating options, and filling in the grid step by step. The speaker's excitement is palpable as they navigate the challenging yet rewarding puzzle-solving experience.

Takeaways

• 🧩 The speaker was traveling on Sunday and Monday and couldn't get to the New York Times King Camp puzzles.
• 🔢 They are working through the puzzle, dealing with numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in different combinations.
• 🤔 Some sections of the puzzle have constraints where certain numbers like 4 and 2 are already placed, which narrows down the possibilities.
• 🔄 Repeatedly, the speaker mentions that the only possibilities in certain areas are combinations like '1-2 or 2-4,' eliminating the already placed numbers.
• ✍️ The speaker calculates the multiplication of numbers, such as '5 times 6 is 30,' while solving some portions of the puzzle.
• 🔍 They use a process of elimination, noting that if certain numbers can't fit in specific spots, others must go there.
• ✔️ Once a number like 1 or 2 is placed in a row or column, it helps them narrow down the possibilities for adjacent cells.
• 🧠 The speaker references how solving one part of the puzzle affects other rows and columns, making subsequent placements easier.
• 🎯 The puzzle eventually leads to certain rows or columns needing a specific combination, like '1 and 5' or '3 and 4'.
• 🏁 They finish by saying that the puzzle wasn't too hard but did require some effort, before moving on to the next challenge.

Q & A

What type of puzzle is being solved in the transcript?

The transcript is focused on solving a number puzzle, likely a type of logic or math puzzle similar to Sudoku or KenKen.

What clues does the solver use to fill in the grid?

The solver uses clues related to the possible numbers that can fit in each square, elimination of possibilities based on adjacent rows or columns, and simple math operations like multiplication.

Why is the number 'four' significant in multiple places?

The number 'four' is mentioned frequently because it is being eliminated from various rows and columns, helping the solver narrow down the remaining possibilities for each cell.

How does the solver determine the placement of the number 'five' in the puzzle?

The solver mentions that the 'five' is made to fit in specific places by using elimination, and through simple arithmetic, particularly focusing on how other numbers in the column or row exclude it.

What does the solver say about the difficulty of the puzzle?

The solver mentions that the puzzle was not too difficult but made them 'work for it' as certain numbers were more challenging to place.

How does the solver handle rows or columns that have fewer possibilities?

The solver handles these situations by using a process of elimination, looking at where certain numbers cannot go, and then deducing the correct number for a particular cell.

What is the role of multiplication in solving the puzzle?

The solver uses multiplication in one instance, specifically referencing 'five times six is thirty' to guide the placement of numbers in a cell.

What method does the solver use to place the number 'one' in the grid?

The solver places the number 'one' by eliminating other possibilities based on its position in other columns and rows, ensuring it fits logically with the surrounding numbers.

How does the solver decide between two possible number pairs like 'one two' or 'two four'?

The solver uses adjacent cells to determine which number pairs are valid. For example, if a 'two' is already present in the row or column, then 'one two' is ruled out, leaving 'two four' as the valid option.

What is the final outcome of the puzzle-solving process?

The solver successfully fills the puzzle grid, using a combination of logic, elimination, and arithmetic, and moves on to solve the next puzzle.