LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #117 (Fraction) - Step-by-Step Solving Guide

Welcome to the detailed walkthrough for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #117 (Fraction), published on December 6, 2025. This 6x6 Sudoku variant requires filling each row, column, and 2x3 section with digits 1 through 6 exactly once. We'll focus on the reasoning that leads you from the initial clues to completing the puzzle logically.

The puzzle begins with a mix of empty cells and some numbers prefilled to guide your deductions. Here's how you can approach solving it step-by-step:

Step 1: Analyze the Given Clues

The starting grid places a few numbers in specific positions:

• Row 1 has digits at columns 3 (1) and 6 (3).
• Row 2 has a 2 at column 5.
• Row 3 has a 1 at column 4.
• Row 4 has a 4 at column 3.
• Row 5 has a 3 at column 2.
• Row 6 has a 2 at column 1 and a 6 at column 4.

These numbers act as anchor points for your deductions.

Step 2: Focus on Rows and Columns with Most Clues

Start by examining rows or columns with multiple numbers. For example:

• Row 1 already includes numbers 1 and 3. Possible missing digits are 2, 4, 5, 6.
• Row 6 has digits 2 and 6, leaving 1, 3, 4, 5 to fill.

By scanning the columns and identifying digits already placed, you can eliminate impossible values in empty cells.

Step 3: Deduce Numbers by Box Constraints

The puzzle is divided into six 2x3 boxes. Each box must have digits 1 to 6 with no repetition:

• Check each box to find which digits are missing.
• Look for cells where only one number can logically fit due to the presence of that number in the same row or column.

Example: In the top-left 2x3 box (rows 1-2, columns 1-3), with numbers 1 and 3 already present, deduce where 5 belongs by seeing which rows and columns already contain 5.

Step 4: Use the Process of Elimination for Each Empty Cell

For each empty cell, consider:

• Numbers already present in the same row.
• Numbers already present in the column.
• Numbers already present in the 2x3 box.

The only digit not found in these three groups becomes the candidate for that cell.

Step 5: Example Reasoning for Select Cells

Row 1, Column 1: The row contains 1,3; the column contains 2 (from row 6), and the box contains 1 and 3. Checking which number from 1-6 is missing, only 5 fits here.

Row 4, Column 4: The row has a 4 at column 3; column 4 has 1 at row 3 and 6 at row 6. The 2x3 box (rows 4-5, columns 4-6) is partially empty, so by elimination, the missing number fitting here is 3.

Step 6: Repeat Logical Deductions and Fill Cells

Continue this systematic elimination and deduction, revisiting rows, columns, and boxes as new numbers are placed. Each number placed provides further clues.

Highlights for technique:
- Identify rows or columns missing only one or two digits
- Narrow down candidates for each empty cell based on existing row, column, and box values
- Use the unique candidate rule when only one number can fit in a cell
- Cross-check with box rules to ensure no duplicates

Final Note

By following this approach, the entire 6x6 grid fills up logically from the initial clues without guessing. This careful, step-by-step reasoning ensures the integrity of the solution and is a great way to sharpen your Sudoku solving skills.

Enjoy solving LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #117 (Fraction) and improving your logical deduction while having fun with this engaging brain teaser!