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  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Addition Equation Sudoku

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions

By Henry Kwok


Rules of Addition Equation Sudoku

Like the standard sudoku, this sudoku has the basic rule:
  • Every row, every column and every 3x3 box in the grids contains the digits 1 through 9.
The puzzle can be solved by finding the values of the unknown digits (all indicated by asterisks) in the squares of the 9x9 grid. At the bottom and right side of the 9x9 grid are numbers, each of which is the sum of a column or row of unknown digits marked by asterisks.

In this puzzle, a set of 17 equations can be formed from the columns and rows of unknown digits and constants. For example, in the fourth and fifth columns beginning from the left of the 9x9 grid, the following equations can be formed:
$* + * + * = 6$ and
$* + * = 9$.

In the eighth and ninth rows beginning from the top of the 9x9 grid, the following equations can be formed:
$* + * + * = 11$ and
$* + * = 13$.

After solving all the equations, the puzzle is solved by the usual sudoku technique and strategy.

A printable version of the problem can be found here.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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