The first things to do in tackling a Sudoku puzzle is to scan the rows and columns to see where a certain number might go, given the 3 constraints listed above. For example, the fact that a 7 is required in the top right corner can be determined by first analyzing its 9 square sub-region. The only numbers missing in the region are a 5 and a 7. However, putting a 5 in the top right box would conflict with the 5 already in the top row and the rightmost column. The 7, on the other hand, would not conflict with any of the given numbers.
Once the 7 is filled in, deduction requires that only a 5 can go beneath it as all digits from 1 through 9 must be represented in the region. From there, one can turn to the two remaining open boxes in the right column - these must include a 2 and a 4 as the column's digits must represent 1 through 9. One of these options, placing the 4 beneath the 1, would lead to a conflict with the 4 already in that horizontal row, so the only option for this box must be a 2.
However, options for boxes are often not that easy to deduce. Another technique is to "pencil in" possibilities and then follow the possible solutions that emerge until a conflict is found. Often these conflicts appear after 2 or 3 numbers are penciled in, and one can return to the start and try the next option until something clicks.
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