1 | 2 | 3 1 | 2 | 3 ---|---|--- ---|---|--- 4 | 5 | 6 8 | | 4 ---|---|--- ---|---|--- 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5Either solution is considered correct.
Directions: To move the blank, you must use the arrow keys. Sometimes it will be necessary to click on the applet area before the keys will respond.
To have the applet solve the puzzle click on the SOLVE button.
If you can solve this puzzle in 60 or fewer moves, then a large H appears on the right side of the applet to indicate this.
HINT ON STRATEGY: The applet uses a series of sub-goals to solve this puzzle. The first sub-goal is to get the one to the upper left corner. The second sub-goal is to get the two to the upper right corner with the three right below it. Once this goal is achieved the two and three are easily slid into place. The third sub-goal is to get the four to the lower right corner with the five to the immediate left of it. Again once this goal is achieved the four and five are easily slid into place. Finally it is possible at this point to decide which solution is possible.