KenKen

Definition

KenKen which translates to “cleverness squared”, is a logic puzzle involving mathematical

operations. It is a math-based symmetrical grid, ranging in size from 3-by-3 to 9-by-9. The goal is to fill the
grid with digits, but like Sudoku, none can appear more than once in any row or column. So, each row and
column in a 4-by-4 grid would contain the numbers 1 to 4.

The grid also features groups of cells called “cages” and the top left corner of the cage contains a
mathematical operation and “target” number. For example, a cage consisting of three cells with the sign
+6 in a 4-by-4 puzzle must add together to equal 6. In this case, the numbers would be 1, 2, and 3.

History and Background

In 2007, toy inventor Robert Fuhrer, owner of Nextoy and creator of Gator Golf, Crocodile Dentist,
and dozens of other popular toys and games, encountered KenKen books published in Japan by the
educational publisher Gakken Co., Ltd. and titled "Kashikoku naru Puzzle" (smartness puzzle). Fuhrer's
company Nextoy, LLC (now holder of a trademark on "KenKen" and "KenDoku" as a name for brain-
training puzzles) and chess International Master Dr. David Levy helped bring the puzzles to the attention
of Michael Harvey, an editor of The Times (London). Harvey, impressed with what he calls its "depth and
magnitude", arranged for publication of such puzzles, starting in March 2008, in The Times. Other papers,
including the New York Times, followed suit. KenKen now appears in more than 200 newspapers in the
United States and worldwide. In 2014, KenKen signed an agreement with DTI, the software division of
inflight entertainment expert Advanced Flight Alliance AG, and its parent company Global Eagle
Entertainment, to provide KenKen on international flights. In 2015, KenKen partnered with German news
organization Der Spiegel. The magazine, which is one of Europe's largest news publications, offers KenKen
puzzles on their mobile app. KenKen is also being used by over 30,000 teachers throughout the United
States to teach math skills, problem solving techniques, logic, and critical thinking. Today KenKen can be
played online at www.kenkenpuzzle.com, the New York Times and Yahoo! Games online sites, as well as
on its iOS, Android and Kindle Fire apps.

Rules or Mechanics

1. Fill in each square with a single number. In a 3x3 grid, use the numbers 1 through 3. In a 4x4
grid, use the numbers 1 through 4. In a 5x5 grid, use the numbers 1 through 5…and so on.

2. Do not repeat numbers in any individual row or column. For example, in a 3x3 grid, each
column and each row should be filled in with the numbers 1, 2, and 3, with no duplication.

3. Each heavily outlined set of squares is called a “cage.” The numbers in each cage must
combine (in any order) to produce the target number indicated in the top corner by using
the mathematical operation next to the target number.

4. A number may be repeated within a cage as long as it is not in the same row or column.
Techniques

Overall Strategy:

Write each candidate in every unsolved square. Then look at the unsolved squares one by one, and see if
you can eliminate any of the candidates by using the rule that no digit may appear more than once in any
row or column, and every digit must appear exactly once in every row and column. When you have done
this for every unsolved square on the grid, you may to be able to fill in at least one of them. If so, repeat
the process, as your newly filled-ins square(s) should lead to even more.

If any two squares in the same row or column have the same two candidates, then neither of those
candidates can be in any other square in the same row or column.
 The same rule applies to three squares
with exactly three shared candidates, four squares with four shared candidates, and so on.
*Note: This rule applies for any number of squares.

Example: You’ve determined that the only candidates for the middle two boxes are 2 and 4. Therefore,
the far-left box cannot be 2 or 4, as those numbers must be shared between the middle two boxes. Since
3 is already used, the far-left box must be 1.

Unique Situations:

1. Any grid size

 In a 2x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 2.

 In a 3+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 2.
 In a 3x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 3.
 An L-shaped 3x cage with three squares must have the numbers arranged like this:

 In a 4+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 3.

 An L-shaped 4+ or 2x cage with three squares must have the numbers arranged like this:

 In a 5x or 5÷ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 5.

 An L-shaped 5x cage with three squares must have the numbers arranged like this:
  In a 6+ cage with 3 squares in a line the candidates must be 1,2,3
 In a 6+ cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 2, 3.
 In a 6x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 2, 3.
 In a 7+ cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 2, 4.
 In a 10x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 2, 5.
 In a 15x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 3, 5
.
 In a 15x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 3, 5.
 In a 20x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 4, 5.
 In a 20x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 4, 5.

2. 3x3 grid
 An L-shaped 4x cage with three squares must have the numbers arranged like this:

3. 4x4 grid
 In a 3– cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 4.
 In a 6+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 2, 4.
 In a 7+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 3, 4.
 In a 4x or 4÷ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 4.
 In a 6x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 2, 3.
 In an 8x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 2, 4.

4. 5x5 grid
 In a 4– cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 5.
 In a 6x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 2, 3.
 In a 9+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 4, 5.
 In an 8+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 3, 5.
 In an 8x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 2, 4.
 In a 12x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 3, 4.
 In a 12x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 3, 4.
 In a 60x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 3, 4, 5.

5. 6x6 grid
 In a 5– cage with two squares, the candidates must be 1, 6.
 In an 11+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 5, 6.
 In a 10+ cage with two squares, the candidates must be 4, 6.
 In a 15+ cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 4, 5, 6.
 In an 18x cage with two squares, the candidates must be 3, 6.
 In an 18x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 1, 3, 6.
 In a 14+ cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 3, 5, 6.
 In a 120x cage with three squares in the same row or column, the candidates must be 4, 5, 6.

Benefits

Kenken was designed practice and also generate the thinking and problem-solving skills for students. It
was found helpful in improving the student's mathematical skills by educators around the world.
  Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

The process of solving a KenKen puzzle enhances one's ability to solve problems because
it teaches students to logically assess all options and work through the problem in an efficient
manner

 Deduction & Reasoning Skills

KenKen is a wonderful enrichment activity for students interested in math as the puzzle
integrates logic, arithmetic, collaboration, and deductive reasoning skill

 Perseverance

At some point, all students will have trouble with a KenKen. The simple act of "sticking
with it" until your student's find the solution encourages perseverance and develops confidence
in the student’s ability to conquer any problem.

 Arithmetic

In order to solve a KenKen, each student must perform arithmetic operations through
mental math. The act of solving enables students (and adults) to become more proficient in
arithmetic skills.

 Concentration

KenKen encourages students to concentrate and remain focused. While completing

KenKens, students use the power of observation to catch mistakes and determine which part of
the puzzle is the right place to start and where to go from there.

 Self-Confidence

Each KenKen provides its own challenge, which teaches kids and adults alike to enjoy the
process of challenging their brain. Solving KenKens enables puzzlers to become more confident in
their ability to work through problems of all kinds.

 Communication and Teamwork

When students work on KenKens together, they enhance their ability to discuss, reason,
and support their own findings. Because there are many different approaches to each KenKen
puzzle, students are encouraged to learn from their peers' methods and to think collectively on
new solutions.

References
http://www.puzzazz.com/how-to/kenken
https://prezi.com/cijangkjwjxf/ken-ken-puzzle/
http://thinkmath.edc.org/resource/introducing-kenken-puzzles
https://kenken.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015710711-7-Educational-Benefits-of-KenKen