Solving 'Hundepuzzle' with High School Maths Only

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the 'Hundepuzzle' using only high school mathematics, specifically focusing on whether an equation or algorithm exists for the puzzle. Participants clarify that the puzzle involves arranging 9 cards depicting 4 different dogs, ensuring that adjacent cards match. They emphasize that while there may be multiple solutions, the focus is on finding a procedural method rather than a strict equation. The conversation also touches on the concepts of brute force techniques and backtracking algorithms for solving such puzzles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic combinatorial principles
  • Familiarity with backtracking algorithms
  • Knowledge of rotational symmetry in puzzles
  • Basic mathematical proof concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research backtracking algorithms for puzzle solving
  • Explore combinatorial optimization techniques
  • Learn about rotational symmetry in mathematical puzzles
  • Study mathematical proofs by exhaustion and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, puzzle enthusiasts, educators, and anyone interested in algorithmic problem-solving using basic mathematical principles.

  • #31
pioneerboy said:
y, I can't contribute to the solution as such else than an algorithm might be best built up upon the declaration of the 4 dogs as letters A, B, C, and D and the differentiation of heads and tails into small and large letters (a, b, c, d, A, B, C, D), whereas on a card heads and tails are always opposite of each other and two neighbouring cards would result in a whole dog of the form of e.g. a¦A.

I used numbers {1,2,3,4} for heads and {-1,-2,-3,-4} for tails instead. That makes matching cells much easier. I used if(one_cell == -the_other_cell) but I could have obfuscated it with something like if(!(one_cell+the_other_cell)) for a more C-ish look.
 

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