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Welcome! A logic grid puzzle asks you to work out the one matching between categories that satisfies every clue. Today we will set up a grid, apply constraints systematically, and justify each deduction.
A logic grid is a visual tool that helps you organize clues and rule out options. To solve any puzzle, we use a problem-solving model: analyze the clues, make a plan, find the solution, and check if our answer makes sense.
A clue that eliminates a pairing earns an 'X' in that cell; a confirmed pairing earns a checkmark. Because the matching is one-to-one, two rules follow: every checkmark forces an 'X' into the rest of its row and column, and any row or column with 'X' marks in all cells but one must have a checkmark in the cell that remains. Chaining these two inferences repeatedly is what narrows the grid to a single solution.
Let us practice checking our work. A solution is reasonable only if it fits every single clue perfectly. If a clue says 'Alex does not own a cat,' and your grid shows a checkmark there, you know it is time to re-evaluate your steps.
Two friends, Leo and Maya, each own one pet: either a dog or a bird. Clue: Leo is allergic to feathers. Use our problem-solving model to find out who owns which pet.
- Analyze the given information: There are two people (Leo, Maya), two pets (dog, bird), and one clue (Leo is allergic to feathers).
- Formulate a strategy: Set up a simple 2x2 grid with Leo and Maya as rows, and dog and bird as columns.
- Determine the solution: Since Leo is allergic to feathers, he cannot own the bird. Put an 'X' in the cell where Leo and bird meet. This leaves the dog for Leo, so put a checkmark there. Since Leo has the dog, Maya must have the bird. Put a checkmark for Maya and bird.
- Justify the solution: Leo has the dog (no feathers, so no allergy issues). Maya has the bird. Each person has exactly one unique pet.
- Evaluate the process: The solution meets all constraints and matches our clue perfectly, proving our answer is completely reasonable.
