A puzzle is a problem or enigma that tests the ingenuity of the solver. In a basic puzzle, one is intended to piece together objects (puzzle pieces) in a logical way in order to come up with the desired shape, picture or solution. Puzzles are often contrived as a form of entertainment, but they can also stem from serious mathematical or logistical problems — in such cases, their successful resolution can be a significant contribution to mathematical research.

Solutions to puzzles may require recognizing patterns and creating a particular order. People with a high inductive reasoning aptitude may be better at solving these puzzles than others. Puzzles based on the process of inquiry and discovery to complete may be solved faster by those with good deduction skills.

History

The first jigsaw puzzle was made around 1760, when John Spilsbury, a British engraver and mapmaker, mounted a map on a sheet of wood that he then sawed around each individual country. Spilsbury used the product to aid in teaching geography. After catching on with the wider public, this remained the primary use of jigsaw puzzles until about 1820.

By the early 20th century, magazines and newspapers found that they could increase their daily subscriptions by publishing puzzle contests.

A puzzle undone, which forms a cube.

Puzzle cube; a type of puzzle.

Rubik's Cube.

An example of a British-style crossword puzzle.

From Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Mon Sep 7 07:45:30 2009

Puzzles JPG
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Puzzles

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From Yahoo Image Search: "Puzzles"
Thu Oct 22 23:06:07 2009

 Puzzle : Name Three Animals Whose Names Start With a Double Letter ...
thefastertimes.com
Puzzle : Name Three Animals Whose Names Start With a Double Letter ...

Matt Gaffney

hu, 22 Oct 2009 16:56:13 GM

Puzzle. #9 Creature Double Feature I bet you can't name three animals whose names start with a double letter! Hint, since you look like you might.

Explaining the Aha! Instinct - TierneyLab Blog - NYTimes.com
tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com
Explaining the Aha! Instinct - TierneyLab Blog - NYTimes.com

By John Tierney

hu, 29 Oct 2009 17:33:31 GM

We have an answer from Marcel Danesi to a . puzzle. that was posed last week: Why are . puzzles. pleasurable?

Free Sudoku Puzzles
puzzles.about.com
Free Sudoku Puzzles

unknown

ue, 13 Oct 2009 02:00:03 GM

Free Sudoku . Puzzles. . ... Hint" will display the correct answer in the highlighted square."Print" sends the . puzzle. to your printer. For tips and tricks on solving Sudoku, see the tutorial How to Solve Sudoku . Puzzles. . ...

From Google Blog Search: "Puzzles"
Sat Oct 31 04:51:20 2009

'The Lost Symbol' Takes Its Puzzles Online - ClickZ News
news.google.com
'The Lost Symbol' Takes Its Puzzles Online

ClickZ News

Since June, Twitter users have been challenged with additional puzzles that range from images of mysterious symbols and codes to other cryptic puzzles based ...

Final Word: Solving the puzzle of the puzzle New Zealand Herald

Lost symbols found? msnbc.com

Review: Dan Brown's 'The Lost Symbol' India.com

Joplin Globe  - Los Angeles Times  - San Francisco Chronicle

all 1,654 news articles »
Puzzle Master in Indy for TV show taping tonight - Examiner.com
news.google.com
Puzzle Master in Indy for TV show taping tonight

Examiner.com

Rare is the opportunity to ask questions of someone known to the world as a puzzle master , but tonight is just such a chance. Will Shortz, puzzle master ...

Crossword etiquette: What's the solution when you're totally clueless? Florida Times-Union

Emmy-nominated Mickey's Corner invites Shortz on air Indiana Daily Student



all 3 news articles »
Latest 'Professor Layton' game is diabolically terrific - New York Daily News
news.google.com
Latest 'Professor Layton' game is diabolically terrific

New York Daily News

As players progress through the game, a cast of eccentric characters present the puzzles (which are, strangely, only tangentially related to the plot; ...

Puzzles and fun with Professor Layton on DS Battle Creek Enquirer

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box 3 Newsday

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box Game Review GeekSugar.com (blog)

TAWKN.com

all 6 news articles »

From Google News Search: "Puzzles"
Sun Sep 27 13:53:54 2009

What are some puzzles like Sudoku that I can get online?
Q. I like puzzles like Sudoku, Add Them Up (found in a newspaper), kakuro and anything like them. I also like the puzzles that you have to try and draw without taking your pencil off the paper. But I need them to be able to print off so I can do them away from the computer. Any websites that have any of these puzzles would be helpful. Or if you know anyother puzzles like these that would be fun you could mention them too.
Asked by cute_girly63 - Mon Dec 29 13:22:18 2008 - - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. This site is GREAT!!! You can print them off and there are LOTS of them!. They are also grouped by easy, intermediate, hard, etc. I love Sudoku too. www.krazydad.com/sudoku There are also other types of puzzles on there at:
Answered by leilani_chica - Mon Dec 29 13:34:31 2008

How do I complete all of the puzzles in Virtual Villagers?
Q. I have fully researched all of the levels. I still have 5 puzzles to complete. Like moving the boulder. My villagers have been trying for about a month now and nothing happens. I need to solve... Flower with stars around it, Butterfly, Cocoon, Tool box, and boulder. Has anyone solved these puzzles?
Asked by unknown2u - Fri Feb 16 13:54:42 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Don't read unless you want spoilers! Puzzle 1 requires a builder to clean up the well, so that there will be a source of fresh water for your tribe. Drag a villager with some building skill to the well. Puzzle 2 is the first of 3 additional huts that your villagers will construct as your population grows and your villagers require more housing. The huts will be initiated, as needed, by one of your builders. Your population is limited to 7 villagers until the first hut is finished. Once it s finished, your tribe can grow to a population of 15. The second hut allows your population to expand to 30 villagers, and the final hut allows your population to grow to the population limit of approximately 90 villagers. You must have a villager… [cont.]
Answered by k - Sat Feb 17 07:57:56 2007

Crossword puzzles: Is there a site w/spelling words in the form of a crossword puzzle?
Q. Looking for crossword puzzles featuring third & fourth grade spelling words, or a site where one can make her own crossword puzzles. Do you know of such a thing?
Asked by Harry Gams - out of hidin - Thu Jan 8 10:37:54 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I wasn't aware of any so I hunted around: Lots to choose from. This looks pretty promising although I haven't tried it yet: (There's also a "word search generator".) Great idea. I'm a crossword nut! Hope your students (?) enjoy it.
Answered by Jacinta - Thu Jan 8 11:18:10 2009

From Yahoo Answer Search: "Puzzles"
Thu Oct 22 06:25:14 2009

See also:

  • Nick's Mathematical PuzzlesNick's Mathematical Puzzles
    qbyte.org
    [ Teens/Mature Teens ] - A collection of an assortment of problems to try to solve, with hints, and solutions. Includes daily update feed link.
  • Erich's Puzzle PalaceErich's Puzzle Palace
    stetson.edu
    [ Kids/Teens ] - Original games using triangles, numbers, squares, equations.
  • The ExhibitionistsThe Exhibitionists
    liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
    [ Teens ] - Interactive, practical math puzzles relating to the management of a museum exhibit. Sponsored by the (British) National Museums Liverpool.
Custom search only Puzzles sites:

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Tue Jul 14 02:11:32 2009