How to Generate Theorems for an Abstract System like Sudoku?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on axiomatizing Sudoku puzzles through mathematical definitions and theorem generation. The author defines a Sudoku puzzle as a matrix A of dimensions n x n, where each element is also an n x n matrix, and establishes a set S containing integers from 1 to n². The puzzle is solved when each element of A contains exactly one of each member of S, and the author seeks guidance on deriving theorems from this abstract system, particularly properties of the defined operation * that can be proven, such as its cancelative property.

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  • Familiarity with matrix theory and dimensions in mathematical contexts.
  • Knowledge of set theory, specifically the definition and manipulation of sets.
  • Basic understanding of theorem proving and mathematical logic.
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  • Research the properties of operations in abstract algebra, focusing on cancelative properties.
  • Explore the Cayley multiplication table and its applications in combinatorial design.
  • Study theorem generation techniques in abstract algebra and their relevance to Sudoku.
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Mathematicians, computer scientists, and puzzle enthusiasts interested in formalizing and proving properties of abstract systems like Sudoku.

TylerH
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For an exercise, I want to axiomatize sudoku.

I've came up with the definition of the sudoku puzzle in mathematical terms, as well as the definition of a solved puzzle. I'm have trouble going from there to draw theorems from my newly defined system. How does one generate theorems about an abstract system like this?

My definition:

Generalizing for an n^2 x n^2 sudoku puzzle:

Let there be a matrix, A, of deminsions, n x n, such that each element is a matrix of deminsions, n x n.
Let there be a set, S = {x exists in N, 1 <= x <= n^2}.

The puzzle is solved iff every element of A contains exactly one of each member of S and for every i from 1 to n, the set of elements in A(i, j) for j from 1 to n contains exactly one of each member of S.

Any suggestions on changes to the definition are also appreciated.
 
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With a sudoku puzzle, we can associate a operation * as:

*:\{1,...,n\}\times\{1,...,n\}\rightarrow \{1,...,n\}

such that k*l is the number in row k, column l. Thus the Cayley multiplication table of this operation is our Sudoku puzzle.

An interesting thing to find out is what properties our * satisfies. For example, you can show that * is cancelative, that is:

a*b=a*c~\Rightarrow~b=c

That's a theorem you can prove. Maybe you can search some other things that hold for our *...
 

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