Triangular Numbers, Gaussian Integers, and KenKen

Abstract

SummaryLatin squares form the basis for the recreational puzzles sudoku and KenKen. In this article we show how useful several ideas from number theory are in solving a KenKen puzzle. For example, the simple notion of triangular number is surprisingly effective. We also introduce a variation of KenKen that uses the Gaussian integers in order to illustrate the concept of unique factorization.