Code puzzle thread +_+

[Kyriakos]

Since it is a (caution: MAJOR) hint, the answer to your question is in the spoiler:

Spoiler :

these types of puzzles most typically involve common sets or variations and can either have continuity in a row or in a diagonal, or both but each for different elements, and there are two types of diagonals (and so-called 'broken diagonals').

As a sidenote, sometimes (not sure if always- haven't restudied matrices currently) the pattern can be mathematically expressed very briefly.

 

[a pen-dragon]

For me this type of puzzle is fine. The one problem this has is that it is not easy to check the solution.

Spoiler possible solution :

Looking at the diagonals (here meaning the combinations that would appear with a positive sign in the determinant), I noticed a pattern: Starting at the top position, going down at the top left corner a line is rotating counter-clockwise, and on the top right clockwise, keeping it symmetric. Some lines remain unchanged. In this case the solution is D.
This does make sense to me, but it could be that there are other patterns.

 

[Kyriakos]

For me this type of puzzle is fine. The one problem this has is that it is not easy to check the solution.

Spoiler possible solution :

Looking at the diagonals (here meaning the combinations that would appear with a positive sign in the determinant), I noticed a pattern: Starting at the top position, going down at the top left corner a line is rotating counter-clockwise, and on the top right clockwise, keeping it symmetric. Some lines remain unchanged. In this case the solution is D.
This does make sense to me, but it could be that there are other patterns.

I am not sure if you meant the same (=>if it is a tautology with working with the matrix; like I said I haven't brushed up on matrix math...), but:

Spoiler :

a)the solution indeed is given to be D. b) an non-matrix explanation is the following, using (clockwise normal and counter-clockwise broken) diagonals:

All that said, since Thrasybulos isn't fond of such puzzles - and he is one of those participating the most - I think it may be good to not have more puzzles of this type ^^

 

[Kyriakos]

@a pen-dragon , would you like to post the next one?

 

[a pen-dragon]

I currently do not have a puzzle ready. If you do find something interesting feel free to post it, anything I find can still be posted later.

 

[Thrasybulos]

(If you don't recognize the format, it's a Skyscraper puzzle).

 

[Thrasybulos]

What I meant with the highlighted cells is that they represent the code you need to find. (Feeble attempt at linking this kind of puzzle with the thread's theme )

The underlying rules for Skyscrapers are the same as for Sudoku (the same digit can only be present once per row / column): the main difference between the two is the nature of the clues (although other Skyscrapers grids can also feature "holes", which makes them a different beast then).

 

[Kyriakos]

I tried it a little. But was mostly wondering what the generalized approach would be - similar to the digit codes we had, where chaos in step progression always irked me.

 

[Thrasybulos]

I'm no expert at solving these puzzles, I just did a few a coupla years back.
My approach was usually to try and place the highest numbers first (here that would be the 5's).

Spoiler :

For instance, here, the "4" clue at the bottom of the first column tells us that the 5 in that column is either in the first or second row.
But the "2" clue on the second row means the first digit cannot be a 5 there.
So we know the top-left cell has to be a 5.
The same reasoning allows us to deduce that the bottom right cell is also a 5.
Two down, three to go...

 

[Kyriakos]

I am surprised that @Arakhor doesn't wish to give this a try. I suspect it could fit this style (?).
I am too ar^ocd to try without a generalization idea

 

[Arakhor]

I tried out one of the puzzles in the linked Guardian article, but I was at work, so I got distracted and never came back.

 

[Kyriakos]

Maybe it is time for a new puzzle? Currently I am not in a mood to solve the one posted, sadly
Imo the thread should not have the same puzzle for more than a week without progress in solving, so if people feel like it, now is the time to give it a try or move on.

 

[Kyriakos]

You guys are even lazier than myself (if such a thing is possible ^^)

But (trying to get things moving!) can you do the pre-Thales and prove that if ε1,ε2,ε3 parallel lines, and ΑΒ=ΒΓ, then ΔΕ=ΕΖ;

 

[Thrasybulos]

Looks more like maths homework than an actual puzzle.

 

[Kyriakos]

It's easy homework, though! Posted just in the hope that an answer would move us to the next puzzle

Anyway, two methods in the spoiler.

Spoiler :

 

[Kyriakos]

Ok then, here is something more traditionally puzzle-like, but it is even simpler
Was posted on the puzzles subreddit today.

Find the number <=> find integer values of black, orange, blue.

Although there is the one-line solution (because the number is so small), I did consider approaching it using set properties (but didn't...)

 

[Thrasybulos]

View attachment 705646

(If you don't recognize the format, it's a Skyscraper puzzle).

Guess I should post the answer, for future reference.

Spoiler :

 

[Thrasybulos]

Ok then, here is something more traditionally puzzle-like, but it is even simpler
Was posted on the puzzles subreddit today.
View attachment 707626

Find the number <=> find integer values of black, orange, blue.

Although there is the one-line solution (because the number is so small), I did consider approaching it using set properties (but didn't...)

Yeah, this one might be a tad too easy indeed.

Spoiler :

Only possibility for black is 5.
So 555 / 3 = 185

 

[Kyriakos]

As I am currently involved with the Thales theorems, and understanding their links to algebra, maybe you have a new puzzle to post, @Thrasybulos ?

 

[Thrasybulos]

The last one didn't meet with any success...

I think we could take a break, let people "recharge their motivation".