A little brainteaser for your Tuesday: How long does it take to figure out when a Sudoku puzzle is unsolvable?
Answer: A lot longer then you’d think.
An Irish mathematician has used a complex algorithm and about two years, to find the answer. Listen closely Sudoku aficianodos—17—that’s the magic number. Any fewer clues, and you’ll find yourself with multiple answers.
So what does this mean in the grand scheme of things?
Well, mathmatically speaking, I’m sure it’s very important. However, for you it means the hours you’ve spent on those tough weekend Sudokus suddenly don’t seem that bad.
______________________________________________________
More on the Story: Nature.com
…just for fun: Try and solve today’s photo.
Advertisement
