Solution:

Detailed Solution:

Since the hint takes up the one square that should be shaded in the left-most column of the left vertical tier of blocks, we know that the other two blocks must use Stamp 2, aligned to leave that column empty. Then we can subtract those shaded squares to determine the arrangement of Stamp 1 in the block with the hint. Notice that since the bottom horizontal tier of blocks has rows each totaling three, we know that each block in that tier must use Stamp 1.
Next, in the top horizontal tier of blocks, one of the middle rows now totals zero. Thus both blocks must use Stamp 1 aligned with that row empty.
Now let's examine the right-most column in the center vertical tier of blocks, which is supposed to have two shaded squares in the completed puzzle. One square was shaded in step 2. One more square will be shaded when the bottom block is filled with Stamp 1, because Stamp 1 fills every "edge" row or column with exactly one shaded square (remember that every block in the bottom horizontal tier must use Stamp 1). That leaves zero squares to be shaded in the middle block. Thus we must use Stamp 2 aligned as shown, and then we can determine the orientation of Stamp 1 in the bottom tier.

Working horizontally, we still cannot determine the orientation of Stamp 1 in the lower right block. But we can determine that Stamp 2 is used in the middle block of the right vertical tier.

Now working vertically, we can finally determine the orientation of Stamp 1 in the lower right block.

 

 

Last updated: May 26, 2003
Copyright © 2000-2003 All Rights Reserved