KenKen is an arithmetic and logic puzzle that can improve our calculation skills, logical thinking, and
persistence. The rule of this puzzle is very simple. It consists of an equal number of rows and columns.
The player can input any digit in every square. The lowest input is a 1 and the highest input is equal to the
number of rows or columns. The input must not repeat in the same row and same column. The puzzle
consists of a heavy-outlined area called “cages”. The top left corner of each cage has a “target number”
and a mathematical operation. The numbers or inputs in each cage must combine to produce the target
number using the mathematical operation (+, −,×,÷). The puzzle can have a cage with one square, it is
called a “freebie”. This puzzle can have three (3) or a greater number of columns and rows. An example
of 3x3 and 5x5 Kenken puzzles are shown below.
3x3
2- 2
3+ 6× 3÷
2- 2
3+ 6× 3÷
3 1 2