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Main » 2013 » September » 16 » How KenKen Puzzles can Help You Learn Math by Brian Foley
2:01 PM How KenKen Puzzles can Help You Learn Math by Brian Foley |
How KenKen Puzzles can Help You Learn Math by Brian Foley
KenKen is the
hottest puzzle craze since Sudoku. It combines the logic of a Sudoku puzzle with
arithmetic. You have to add, subtract, multiply and divide to arrive at the
numbers given in KenKen puzzle.
In KenKen, like Sudoku, there is a grid
of 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, or 9x9 cells. That means the grid has 16, 36, 64 or 81 cells.
The puzzle can actually be even larger, but those are for really advanced
solvers. In both kinds of puzzles, you must have all the digits in one row. In
other words, if a row has 4 cells, like in a 16-grid puzzle, you must use the
numbers 1-4 in each row, and in each column. No digit may be left out of row or
column, nor may there be duplicates in a row or a column.
So far, that's
totally easy to understand. If you look at a puzzle, you can see what I mean in
a second.
The diabolical cleverness of KenKen, which sets it apart from
Sudoku, is that:
� some adjacent groups of cells have a thick border
around them. Those groups are called "cages." Each cage has a number printed in
it, along with an operation sign.
� The cells within that cage must be
filled with the digits that will amount to the number given. Let's say the cage
has two cells surrounded by a thick border, the number in it is 6, and the
operation sign is multiplication (x). That tells you that you must find two
numbers that multiply to 6.
You may be tempted to say, "That's easy. The
answer is 2 x 3!" But don't jump to conclusions Charlotte Olympia! The answer
could just as well be 6 x 1. Furthermore, you don't immediately know which of
the two cells the 2, 3, 6 or 1 belong in. You have to find that out from looking
at the other cages and narrowing down your possibilities.
It takes about
two minutes to learn how to do KenKen, but it can take years to master. There's
something for all levels of solvers.
Good math teachers will look into
this puzzle and learn some strategy, then introduce the puzzles to their
students. There are very inexpensive books of KenKen, as well as online sites
where you can download free puzzles post by haiyan701. One of them is
kenken.com
Once you understand how KenKen really works, you will start
learning all about factoring, exponents, and mathematical logic. You won't need
a workbook, and there are no grades (if the teacher is smart). The only stress
is the gentle strain on your brain, and you'll be developing that brain with
every KenKen puzzle you solve.
It's easy to get good at KenKen with some
practice. The nice thing about the practice is that you won't be able to stop.
KenKen is the most addictive puzzle around!
Imagine a student being able
to hone his or her basic math skills without worksheets, flash cards, charts,
rote-memorization, or quizzes Charlotte
Olympia Birthday Gemini Zodiac Smoking Slipper In Sky Blue. Imagine that
student loving math like never before!
KenKen was invented by Tetsuya
Miyamoto, a Japanese math teacher who says, "I believe that if you give children
good learning materials, they will think and learn and grow on their own." If
you teach yourself, your child or your students basic math with KenKen, they
will develop a lifelong love of mathematics, and you will have done them a
wonderful favor.
For free KenKen video lessons, all the way to the very
advanced level, check out mathmojo.com/kenken.
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