How to Solve Logic Puzzles: Using Clues and a Grid to Find the Unique Solution

Last Updated: 31 Mar 2023
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Instructions

In a logic puzzle you are given a series of categories, and an equal number of options within each category. Each option is used once and only once. Your goal is to figure out which options are linked together based on a series of given clues. Each puzzle has only one unique solution, and each can be solved using simple logical processes (i. e. educated guesses are not required). A custom-labelled grid is provided for every puzzle, like the one you see to the right.

The grid allows you to cross-reference every possible option in every category. You can eliminate pairs you know aren't true with an X, and pencil in pairs you know are related with an O. If you know, for example, that Lauren wasn't born in 1961, you can add an X in the box where the Lauren column and 1961 row meet. Similarly, if you know that Bryant was born in 1971, you can add an O in the appropriate box.

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Furthermore, since every option can only be used once in any given puzzle, you can eliminate the four other options for Bryant in that category (1937, 1946, 1961, 1975) and the four other options for 1971 (Anahi, Jayden, Lauren and Nikolas). Continue doing this for every clue you're given. Eventually you will have filled in enough X's and O's on the board that you will then be able to use simple logic to deduce the solution to the puzzle. For example, if A = B, and B = C, then A must equal C.

Similarly, if A = B, and B =/= D, then A must not equal D. School Crimes Five naughty school kids each were up to mischief and were all caught in the act. What was each child's name, what did each child do and what was their punishment? Clues 1. Bethany was made to stand up in Assembly and sing the nursery rhyme 'Hickory Dickory Dock' for her heinous crime, which did not involve super glue or eating in class. Bart's punishment was not detention or running 10 laps. Writing lines about politeness was the punishment for the child that stuck heir tongue out at the teacher; this wasn't Bart. The punishment of running 10 laps around the school field was not for using super glue on a teacher's chair; was this Chad? Brenda did not get detention, which she would have preferred, and her crime wasn't to stick out her tongue. Charles' crime was to persistently burp in class, much to the amusement of his pals.  Scribbling on the desk did not have the punishment of cleaning the teacher's shoes.

Cite this Page

How to Solve Logic Puzzles: Using Clues and a Grid to Find the Unique Solution. (2017, Jan 16). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/test-puzzle/

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