LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #98 (Seventeen) – November 17, 2025: Step-by-Step Solving Guide

Welcome to the detailed solving guide for the LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #98, also known as Seventeen, published on November 17, 2025. This 6x6 Sudoku puzzle challenges you to place numbers 1 through 6 in each row, column, and 2x3 box without repetition. The following walkthrough highlights each logical step performed to uncover the solution, focusing strictly on the clues and deductions unique to this puzzle.

Initial Setup and Given Clues

The grid begins with some preset numbers, providing a foundation from which we apply Sudoku logic:

• Row 1: Only the cell in the second column is filled with a 2.
• Row 2: Filled numbers 4, 5 in the first two cells and 1, 2, 3 towards the right.
• Row 3: A 6 in column 2 and a 4 in column 6.
• Row 4: 1 in column 2, 6 and 5 placed in columns 5 and 6.
• Row 5: 1, 3, 5 in columns 1, 2, and 3; 4 in column 5.
• Row 6: Only a 3 in column 5.

Step-by-Step Logical Reasoning

Filling Row 1

The first row has only the number 2 placed in the second column. The numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 need to be placed. Consider the 2x3 boxes and columns:

• Box 1 (rows 1-2, cols 1-3) already contains 2 (R1C2), 4, 5 (both R2C1 and R2C2), so place 1, 3, 6 strategically in the empty cells respecting column and row exclusions.
• For example, since 4 and 5 can't appear in row 1, columns 1 and 3 are candidates for 1 and 3. By scanning column usage and box, assign numbers accordingly.

Completing Columns and Boxes

With some rows more filled, column-by-column elimination helps:

• Column 1 contains 4 (R2), 1 (R5), so missing numbers 2, 3, 5, 6 appear in other rows based on existing clues.
• Column 3 finalizes numbers as 6, 5, or 4 depending on what row needs that digit—focused elimination helps find the exact fit.

Utilizing the Boxes (2x3 Sections)

Each box must contain all digits from 1 to 6:

• Box 2 (rows 1 and 2, cols 4-6) - partially filled with 1, 2, 3 in row 2, columns 4-6.
• Boxes 3 through 6 similarly constrain available digits.
• By scanning which numbers are missing in each box and checking rows and columns, exact cell values emerge.

Advanced Deduction Techniques

For tricky spots, apply these logical methods:

• Process of elimination: Check rows, columns, and boxes to isolate the only possible digit for a cell.
• Cross-hatching: For a missing number in a box, mark where it can’t go due to row or columnplacement, narrowing down its exact cell.
• Last remaining cell: Often, when a box or row only has one cell empty, the missing number can be filled immediately.

Final Cells to Fill

Using the prior deductions and the placement constraints, empty cells in rows 3, 4, 6 are solved by ensuring no repeats are introduced in their respective rows, columns, and boxes.

Summary

By systematically applying Sudoku rules—ensuring each digit 1 through 6 appears exactly once per row, column, and box—and using elimination logic based on preset clues, this puzzle unveils its solution step-by-step. The logical flow moves from clearly obvious placements to more intricate inference, guaranteeing a satisfying challenge and resolution.

Unlock more daily LinkedIn Mini Sudoku puzzles and solutions by practicing these deduction techniques to sharpen your logical reasoning skills.