Question

how do i go about programming this:(JAVA)
You have to put the numbers 1-8 in the eight available cells in such a way that no number borders a consecutive number, even diagonally.

Answer 1

I would create a map of each cell and its adjacent cells. Then make sure that the number in the cell does not have a consecutive number in any of the adjacent cells.

Create a loop to try the different combinations.

Answer 2

The mathematical solution can be found here: http://www.geeksforgeeks.org/forum/topic/fill-numbers-puzzle

Answer 3

you can write it as a backtracking problem - label boxes to fill from 0-7,
and successively try to put a number in it:
while (boxnumber < 8){ // if 8, are done
...put unused number in box
...test conditions
...if ok boxnumber += 1 // on to the next
...if not
erase last try
if more numbers to try, try next
else backup a level, erase number there, and try next number

the annoying part is keeping track of everything.

Answer 4

my sleazy python program finds 16 solutions