Difference between revisions of "Mathematically equivalent"

From Sudopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search
(Created page with "Two Sudoku puzzles are '''mathematically equivalent''' if one can transform the first into the second via a series of zero or more operations, where the allowed operations...")
 
(No difference)

Latest revision as of 03:29, 20 January 2022

Two Sudoku puzzles are mathematically equivalent if one can transform the first into the second via a series of zero or more operations, where the allowed operations are:

  • Relabel the 9 digits
  • Swap any 2 rows in a floor
  • Swap any 2 columns in a tower
  • Swap any 2 floors
  • Swap any 2 towers
  • Swap rows with columns (i.e. matrix transpose operation)

In other words, two Sudoku puzzles are mathematically equivalent if they have the same canonical form.

If a puzzle P can be solved using a set of solving techniques, then any puzzle that is mathematically equivalent to P can also be solved using the same set of solving techniques. However, Sudoku Programs may rate two mathematically equivalent puzzles slightly differently because a different solving path is used. When a program checks for patterns one digit at a time, relabeling the digits may cause the solver to find patterns of similar nature in a different order.

A symmetrical puzzle can be mathematically equivalent to an asymmetrical puzzle. From an aesthetic point of view, these puzzles are completely different.

See Also