Sudoku puzzles can be a fun and challenging way to pass the time, but they can also be a bit intimidating. If you’re new to sudoku puzzles, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll show you how to complete a sudoku puzzle in 5 simple steps. So, if you’ve been wanting to learn how to complete a sudoku puzzle but didn’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out how to do it!
1) Choose a Number
If you’re ready to tackle a sudoku puzzle, the first thing you need to do is select a number. You can start with any number between 1-9. While there are other more complex number puzzles that include higher numbers, for now, we will focus on a classic 9×9 grid filled with numbers 1-9.
Once you select your number, it’s time to scan the grid. Look for any places where your number appears in the rows, columns and 3×3 boxes. Take note of which squares are filled and which are still blank. This will help you determine what numbers are missing in each box and how to fill them in.
Now that you know where your number is located, it’s time to find the missing numbers. Scan the rows, columns and 3×3 boxes for any empty squares. If a row or column has only one empty square, then you know the missing number must be the one you selected at the beginning. If there are multiple empty squares, look for any clues that might help you determine what numbers should go in those squares.
Once you have identified all the missing numbers, it’s time to fill in the blanks. Place your chosen number in each of the empty squares and make sure they match up with the other numbers in the same row, column and 3×3 box. Double-check your work as you go along to make sure everything adds up.
Congratulations! You have just completed your first sudoku puzzle!
2) Scan the Grid
Once you have chosen a number to focus on, it is time to scan the grid. To do this, start by looking at the rows and columns of your number puzzle. Look for any other occurrences of the number you chose in the same row and column. Make note of any additional numbers in those same rows or columns; they are all related to each other in some way.
Once you have identified where your number appears in the rows and columns, move onto the 3×3 boxes. Look for the same number in any of the small boxes and make a mental note of all the other numbers that appear in those boxes. This will help you understand how all these numbers are related to each other.
Once you have identified all the occurrences of your number within the rows, columns, and boxes, it is time to move onto the next step. You now have a better understanding of how your number interacts with its neighbors on the board and can use this knowledge to complete the puzzle.
3) Find the Missing Numbers
Finding the missing numbers in a Sudoku puzzle can be one of the most daunting aspects of completing the number puzzles. This can be especially difficult if you’re just starting out. To make it easier, here are some tips to help you find the missing numbers in a Sudoku puzzle.
Start by looking at each row and column. Make sure that each row and column contains all of the numbers from 1 to 9. If you find a number is missing, that’s the one you’ll need to find.
Next, look for blank squares that are surrounded by numbers on all four sides. The number in the square must be the one that hasn’t already been used in the row or column. Look for rows and columns with two of the same numbers in them. The third number must be the one that isn’t there yet.
Finally, check the 3×3 grids. Each 3×3 grid should have all nine numbers. If you find any boxes with only eight numbers, you know what number is missing.
Finding the missing numbers in a Sudoku puzzle may seem intimidating, but with these simple steps, it can become much easier. With some practice and patience, you can become an expert at finding those missing numbers.
4) Fill in the Missing Numbers
Once you have identified the missing numbers on the grid, it’s time to start filling them in. Begin by selecting a number to start with. For example, if you chose the number 1, begin looking for places on the grid where the number 1 can fit. Scan all 9 rows and columns and try to find where the 1 fits in.
When trying to fill in the missing numbers, pay attention to the squares around it. Check each row and column to make sure that only one of each number appears. Additionally, look at the 3×3 boxes to ensure that only one of each number is placed in the box. This way, you can find out which numbers are still missing and where they should be placed.
Once you’ve filled in all the missing numbers, double-check your work to make sure everything adds up correctly. You can use various methods of elimination to help you identify any errors or mistakes. With some practice and patience, you will become an expert at solving number puzzles like Sudoku.
5) Check Your Work
Once you have filled in all the numbers, it’s important to double check your work. It’s easy to make a mistake when solving number puzzles like Sudoku. Here are some tips on how to make sure that all your answers are correct:
1) Compare rows, columns and boxes: Make sure each row, column and box of nine squares contains all nine digits from 1-9. If one is missing, that means there is a mistake somewhere.
2) Examine cells: Look for any cells that contain the same number twice. If a cell has two of the same number, it means that you made a mistake earlier in the puzzle.
3) Check logical sequences: Make sure that when going through the grid, the numbers logically increase or decrease with each row and column. For example, if row one contains 1-9 then row two should contain 2-8 or 10-18 depending on the size of the grid.
By following these steps, you can be sure that you have completed your Sudoku puzzle correctly. With a little practice, you’ll be a Sudoku master in no time!
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