Madam, - Your introduction to the Sudoku puzzles (The Irish Times, June 13th) makes the rather bizarre statement that "there is no need for mathematical skills - just reasoning, logic. . . and patience." Reasoning and logic are a fundamental part of mathematical thinking.
Probably the most important aspect of educating young people in mathematics is to teach them to think critically, clearly and logically about solving problems, whatever they may be. The ability to formulate a clear and coherent strategy when confronted with a problem is a life skill that many employers find desirable.
As a result, mathematics graduates find themselves employed in a wide range of jobs across the whole spectrum. Like many puzzles, Sudoku provides an excellent example of mathematical thinking in action. - Yours, etc,
Dr GARY McGUIRE, Department of Mathematics, NUI, Maynooth, Co Kildare.