Answer to Sudoku question from 9/29/09

There are 5 numbers missing and they are 1, 2, 5, 7, 8

Once you choose the first one (out of five), there are four left to choose from
Once you choose the second one (out of the remaining four), there are three left to choose from
Once you choose the third one (out of the remaining three), there are two left to choose from
Once you choose the fourth one (out of the remaining two), there is only one left

For example, if you first choose the 7 then remaining is 1, 2, 5, 8
Then if you choose 1, then remaining is 2,5,8
Then if you choose the 8, remaining is 2 and 5
Then if you choose the 2, the 5 is left over by default.

So the choices are: 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120 different numbers that can be possible answers to
"a nine digit non-repeating number that ends in 6349"

Sudoku...how many possible numbers?

This cartoon shows a man asking a woman,
"What's a nine-digit nonrepeating number that ends in 6349?"

How can we figure out how many possible answers there are that would fit this criteria?
(without listing them all)...

Answer will be posted tomorrow (Weds 9/30/09)

I Was Told There Would Be No Math

(headline from Slate magazine re: NYTimes new puzzle KenKen)

Is Sudoku's promise of "no Math" essential PR for promoting number puzzles? A not-so-positive relationship with Math can be left over from school days and can undeliberately be handed down from generation to generation.

KenKen creates another opportunity to engage people with numbers.

The many rewards of Math include critical thinking skills, broader career choices, discipline, focus and confidence for academic, professional and personal success (plus the "aha" of a solution)

http://fray.slate.com/discuss/forums/2097086/ShowForum.aspx?ArticleID=2211595