Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

OUT OF THE BOX THINKING THROUGH MATHEMATICS - LEVEL 1

ASSIGNMENT 1

These topics involves more logic than arithmetic !

ANSWER KEY

k
ta
PUZZLE MATHS

ar
Q.No CORRECT OPTION/ ANSWER Specification

av
1 20 Kakuro Puzzle

2 30 Loop The Loop Puzzle

3 12
Pr Nonogram Puzzle
M
4 11 Kakuro Puzzle
IT

5 24 Spokes Puzzle
-I

CALENDAR MATHS

Q.No CORRECT OPTION/ ANSWER Specification

T

1 3972 Age Problem

B

2 D) Month Calendar
O

3 A) Different Calendar
O

4 251 Digital Clock

5 1 Year Calendar

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

I Detailed Answers to ”Puzzle Maths” Questions

1. Here, you observe a Kakuro Puzzle !

k
ta
ar
av
Let valid numbers be written to the cells marked with A, B, C to solve the puzzle.

Pr


What should be the value of A + B + C ? .

Solution:
M
Observe that B is common to groups of vertical hint number 16 with continuous two white cells and
horizontal hint number 10 with continuous three white cells. 7 and 9 are the members of 16 group.
IT

∴ B must be 7.


Observe that the cell below C should be 11 + 13 − 3 + 13 = 8 using the ”balance cell” technique.
-I

Observe that A is common to groups of vertical hint number 29 with continuous four white cells and
horizontal hint number 23 with continuous three white cells.

9, 8, 7 and 5 are the members of 29 group ; 9, 8 and 6 are the members of 23 group.
T

∴ A cannot be 6 or 8 (with 8 already filled in one cell of horizontal group). It must be 9.

Observe that C is common to groups of vertical hint number 13 with continuous three white cells
B

(with 8 already filled in one cell) and horizontal hint number 13 with continuous two white cells.
O

∴ C must be 4.

∴ A + B + C = 9 + 7 + 4 = 20 .
O

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

2. Here, you observe a Loop the Loop Puzzle !

k
ta
ar
av
We require both horizontal line segments and vertical line segments to solve the puzzle.

Pr
What is the total number of vertical line segments required in the correct solution of this puzzle?

Solution:
M
We can start working from 0 having definitely NO line segments around it.

Thereafter, the surrounding numbers to 0 can have the definite YES line segments and NO line segments,
IT

in their walls as shown.

-I
T
B
O
O

Note: ✓ is used for numbers whose walls are covered with the required number of line segments
× and for absence of a line segment or a wall.

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

Continuing our probing of definite YES line segments and NO line segments, we can develop the
frame further as follows:

k
ta
ar
av
Pr
Remember that we cannot have more than one loop. So, continuing further we can develop a
better frame as follows:
M
IT
-I
T
B
O
O

Now, observe that there are two 2’s among the remaining incomplete three 2’s each needing
one more wall to the already existing one. So, continuing further we can complete the

puzzle as follows:

SEE NEXT PAGE!

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

The puzzle is now successfully solved and You can verify the same again.

k
ta
ar
av
Pr
∴ The total number of vertical line segments required in the correct solution of this puzzle is 30 .

COUNT AND CHECK!

3. Here you observe a 10 × 10 Nonogram Puzzle:

M
IT
-I
T
B
O
O

′
How many asterisks ∗ should be filled in the top left 25 squares (shaded part as shown) in the

correct solution of this puzzle? .

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

Solution:
It is best to start with looking for cells that can have a definite YES entry * or definite NO entry -.
∴ One of the best way is to start with the last and the tenth row (bottom most row).
After filling the definite asterisks and blanks of the last row, we can look at the vertical hint numbers
and fill definite asterisks and blanks in the respective columns as follows:

k
ta
ar
av
Pr
M
IT

Next, look at the 1st row hint number 6 and 8th row hint number 4 ; continue solving the puzzle.
We get:
-I
T
B
O
O

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

We have filled the definite asterisks and blanks of the first row.
Now, we can look at the vertical hint numbers and horizontal hints alternately to fill definite asterisks
and blanks; complete the puzzle as follows:

k
ta
ar
av
Pr
M
′
The total number of asterisks ∗ that should be filled in the top left 25 squares (shaded part as shown)
IT

in the correct solution of this puzzle is 12 .

4. Here, you observe a Kakuro Puzzle with only one number (vertical hint) not printed !
-I
T
B
O

The hint is shown as A for your understanding.

O

What should be the value of A for this puzzle to have a solution? .

Solution:
The sum of all the cell entries is same if you add either horizontally or vertically.
∴ The sum of all horizontal cell entries is same as the sum of all vertical entries and no need to
solve the puzzle for this. So, we have 6 + 7 + 6 + 22 = A + 11 + 15 + 4 ⇒ A = 11 .

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

5. Observe the following Spokes Puzzle!

k
ta
ar
av
Suppose the puzzle is solved correctly.

Pr
What will be the sum of the junction numbers of the five junctions to which spokes are connected

from junction numbered 5? .

Solution:
M
The middle junction numbered 4 in the bottom row has 5 closer junctions surrounding it.

It should not be connected to the closer junction numbered 1 diagonally.

IT

Otherwise, the junction numbered 3 to its immediate right connects spokes with junctions numbered

with 4 (left of 3); 1 (diagonal of 3) and 2 (right of 3).

-I

In such case, the right bottom corner junction numbered 2 will then have only one spoke

connected to it, which is not valid.

∴ The middle junction numbered 4 in the bottom row should get connected to spokes with
T

each of its closer junctions except the one numbered 1 diagonally.

————————————————————————————————————————————–
B

Now, consider the middle junction numbered 4 in the leftmost column which has also 5
O

closer junctions surrounding it. It should not be connected to both the closer junctions numbered

4, 4 diagonally to it. Otherwise, the junction numbered 7 to its immediate right will not have 7 spokes
O

to connect. ∴ The middle junction numbered 4 in the leftmost column

should not get connected with one of its diagonal junctions numbered 4.
Which diagonal junction is a suspense!
But the other 3 closer junctions to it must have spokes connected from 4.
At this stage, the puzzle looks as follows:

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

k
ta
ar
av
The junction numbered 7 is surrounded by 8 closer junctions surrounding it.

It should not be connected to only one of the closer junctions among the 8.

Pr
It should not be connected to both the junctions diagonally on the left numbered 3 and 3.

Otherwise the previous junction numbered 4 will not get its 4th spoke.

Here also, Which diagonal junction is a suspense!

M
Therefore, Junction numbered 7 is connected to the remaining 6 closer junctions.
Now, the puzzle looks like this ↓
IT
-I
T
B
O
O

The junction numbered 6 is surrounded by 8 closer junctions surrounding it.

It cannot be connected to two of the closer junctions diagonally on the left numbered 4, 4

since the spokes cannot meet at places other than junctions.

At this stage, the puzzle looks like this:

SEE NEXT PAGE!

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

k
ta
ar
av
Now, the junction numbered 5 is surrounded by 8 closer junctions surrounding it.

It cannot be connected to three of the closer junctions numbered 1 (diagonally placed);

Pr
4 (diagonally placed) and 1 (immediate right).

At this stage, the puzzle looks like this ↓

M
IT
-I
T
B

∴ The sum of the junction numbers of the five junctions to which spokes are connected
O

from junction numbered 5 is 7 + 6 + 4 + 4 + 3 = 24 .

O

Note: No need to solve the puzzle fully to answer this question!

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

II Detailed Answers to ”Calendar Maths” Questions

1. This conversation between granddaughter Priya and her grandmother Hema took place in the year 2022:

Priya says to her grandmother : “My present age is equal to the last two digits of my birth year.”

Hema much older than her granddaughter replied: “My dear Priya, What a surprise!

Even my present age is equal to the last two digits of my birth year.”

k
Both of them were speaking truth. What is the sum of their birth years? .

ta
Solution:

Both of them must have been born in different years and should belong to different centuries.

ar



Let the birth years of grand mother and grand daughter be 1900 + ∗ and 2000 + $ respectively.

According to information, their ages must be ∗, $ years respectively during 2022.

av



1900 + ∗ + ∗ = 2022 and 2000 + $ + $ = 2022. ∴ ∗ = 61 and $ = 11.
The birth years of grand mother and grand daughter are 1961 and 2011 respectively.

Pr
Their ages are 61, 11 years respectively during 2022.
The sum of their birth years is 1961 + 2011 = 3962 .
M
2. Kiran’s friend Navin visited his home 7 times during a particular month.

Every time he visited on a different day (Sun, Mon, Tue, ... ,Sat) and left on the same day.
IT

All the dates of his visit are prime numbered dates and their sum is 112.

If Navin’s first visit during this month was a Saturday, then what will be the day of his last visit
-I

to Navin’s home during this month?

A. Monday B. Friday C. Thursday D. Sunday

Solution:
T

The dates 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 belong to the same day whatever be the day. Call it A day.
B

Likewise the dates 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 belong to the same day. Call it B day.

The dates 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 belong to the same day. Call it C day.
O

The dates 4, 11, 18, 25 belong to the same day. Call it D day.
O

The dates 5, 12, 19, 26 belong to the same day. Call it E day.

The dates 6, 13, 20, 27 belong to the same day. Call it F day.

The dates 7, 14, 21, 28 belong to the same day. Call it G day.

Note:The dates 29, 30 and 31 may exist depending upon the month.

All the dates of Navin’s visit are prime numbers and he visited 7 times, each on a different day

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

(Sun, Mon, Tue, ... ,Sat) and left on the same day.

The only prime numbered date in A day is 29. So, Navin definitely visited on this date.

The only prime numbered date in D day is 11. So, Navin definitely visited on this date.

The only prime numbered date in F day is 13. So, Navin definitely visited on this date.

The only prime numbered date in G day is 7. So, Navin definitely visited on this date.

k
The sum of these definite date numbers is 29 + 11 + 13 + 7 = 60.

ta
But the sum of all the visited date numbers is 112.

∴ The sum of remaining prime date numbers from B, C, E days should be 112 − 60 = 52,

ar
which is an even number.

All three remaining prime numbered dates cannot be odd. Otherwise their sum will be odd but we need

av
52.

Therefore, One among them must be an even prime which should be 2, the only even prime.

Pr
So, Navin definitely visited prime numbered date 2 on a B day.

We are left with two prime numbered dates one each from a C day and E day whose sum is 50.

The only combination is 31 + 19 = 50. CHECK!

M
Therefore, Navin visited dates 31 on a C day and 19 on a E day respectively.

Navin’s first visited date is 2 and it is mentioned as a Saturday. His last visited date in the month is 31.
IT

It should be a Sunday ∵ 2 + 28 + 1 = 31.

∴ The correct option must be D) Sunday .

-I

3. There is an Island called “Peculiar Island”.

In this Island, the order of the seven days of a week are as follows:
T

Sunday, Saturday, Friday, Thursday, Wednesday, Tuesday and Monday in this order
(exactly opposite to what we have).
B

The order of the months is also exactly opposite to what we have

December, November, October, September, August, July, June, May, April, March, February
O

and January in this order.

O

However, the number of days and the order of the dates in each month is the same as we follow.

If July 30th is a Saturday in the Island, then what was the day on August 15th of the same year?

A. Wednesday B. Monday C. Friday D. Sunday

Solution:
It’s simple! Just Adapt your mindset to the new system (to solve this problem)!

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

July comes after August.

August 31st comes 16 days after August 15th .
July 30th comes 30 days after August 31st in this ”Peculiar Island”.


∴ July 30th comes 30 + 16 = 46 days ( 42 + 4 days) after August 31st .

August 31st must be a W ednesday ∵ July 30th is a Saturday in this ”Peculiar Island”.

46th day from Wednesday is same as 4th day from Wednesday, which is a Saturday in this Island.

k
Wednesday → Tuesday → Monday → Sunday → Saturday ... (days in forward, in this ”Peculiar Island”)

ta
∴ The correct option must be A) Wednesday .

ar
4. Aarav observed the time in his digital watch as 05 : 50, a palindrome reading.

How long will it take to get the immediate next palindrome reading in his watch? minutes.

av
Note: A palindrome reads the same from left to right or right to left.

Pr
Solution:
Note that 06 : 60 07 : 70 08 : 80 09 : 90 are invalid timings as the minutes cannot exceed
59 in a digital clock.

Note: 60 minutes make an hour.

M
10 : 01 timing is palindrome and is valid. This must be the immediate next palindrome reading next to
IT

05 : 50 in Aarav’s digital watch.

It takes 4 hours and 11 minutes, which is equal to 251 minutes.

-I

5. Hema observed the calendar of two successive months (a month followed by immediate next month).

To her surprise, No date falling on Tuesdays of these two months is a multiple of 5.

What will be the day on 1st January of this calendar year? . (fill a number as instructed ↓)
T

Note: Fill 1 for Sunday; 2 for Monday; 3 for Tuesday; 4 for Wednesday; 5 for Thursday; 6 for Friday;
B

7 for Saturday.

Solution:
O

Call the first of the two consecutive months observed by Hema be K month and the second month
O

to be L month.

Tuesday must be one among the first 7 dates of K month.

No Tuesday falls on a date that is a multiple of 5.

1st of K month cannot be a Tuesday. Otherwise 15th will be a Tuesday, which is not valid.

3rd of K month cannot be a Tuesday. Otherwise 10th will be a Tuesday, which is not valid.

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Sadagopan Rajesh PUZZLE MATHS, CALENDAR MATHS AUGUST 09, 2022

4th of K month cannot be a Tuesday. Otherwise 25th will be a Tuesday, which is not valid.

5th of K month cannot be a Tuesday, which is not valid.

6th of K month cannot be a Tuesday. Otherwise 20th will be a Tuesday, which is not valid.

∴ Either 2nd or 7th of K month must be a Tuesday.

2nd of K month is a Tuesday only if 30th is absent in this month.

k
This is possible only if K month is an ordinary February or a leap February.

ta
If 2nd of ordinary February is a Tuesday, then March 30th will be a Tuesday, which is not valid.

If 2nd of leap February is a Tuesday, then March 15th will be a Tuesday, which is not valid.

ar
∴ 7th is the only possible date of K month, which should be a Tuesday.

Now, lets analyse K month.

av
K month cannot be any 31 day month, otherwise 25th of its following month will be a Tuesday,
which is not valid.

which is not valid.

K month must be February, where 7th is a Tuesday.

Pr
K month cannot be any 30 day month, otherwise 5th of its following month will be a Tuesday
M
The February month cannot be a Leap February, otherwise 20th of its following month will be a Tuesday,
IT

which is not valid.

The February month must be a Normal February and Hema observed the dates 7th , 14th , 21st , 28th of

the Normal February as Tuesdays and 7th , 14th , 21st , 28th of March as Tuesdays.
-I

This is valid because no date is a multiple of 5.

If February 7th is a Tuesday, then January 1st of that year must be a Sunday.
T

(37 days = 35 days + 2 days before a Tuesday is a Sunday!)

To represent Sunday, we must fill 1 , as suggested.

B
O

Keep Enjoying Mathematics !

O

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