Magic Square
Can you make a magic square that would add up to a smallest number, say n in every horizontal , vertical and diagonal direction with unique number in each series of three numbers.
What is the value of n ?
Labels: mathemagic, trickofmind
posted by Rajesh Lal at
8:16 AM
15 Comments:
i'm not sure but here goes
1 2 3
2 3 1
3 1 2
could it be
111
111
111
umm guys... it's asking for the value of "n" not how you arranged it. and paulina, your answer is incorect, your diagional form bottem left to top ring addes up to 9, wile the rest addes up to 6.
A magic square, assuming its 3x3 that meets these criteria MUST have all unique numbers. You can quickly prove it to yourself.
However, the problem doesn't say the numbers must be positive, nor the sum must be positive, so whatever solution you come up with, you can always subtract the same number from all cells and it will also satisfy the problem.
E.g.
8 1 6
3 5 7
4 9 2 is a solution, giving where they all sum to n=15
Subtract 5 from all these numbers gives
3 -4 1
-2 0 2
-1 4 -3 where they all sum to n=0.
The question is ambiguous and there is no lowest N.
you're right Joseph, the question doesn't state whether the numbers must be counting numbers or anything the sort. But if it had to be, I believe your answer of 15 would be correct.
my head hurts
hey, new to the site
can anyone give me a link to the answers page if there is one? much appreciated if u can =] =]
man, this is an easy one!!!
0
yeah the magic square's total is 15
4 9 2
3 5 7
8 1 6
I've heard something like this before, just you were supposed to use the numbers one through nine, never using a number more than once, and make a three by three square where every direction adds up to fifteen. If you can really use any number positive and negative, there is no answer.
lol 000
000
000
thats preety damn small
ANSWER : 6
----------------
2,3,1
1,2,3
3,1,2
Assumption positive numbers.
GOT RIGHT
-----------------
?, Paulina your TopRight to BottomLeft diagonal is 9 not 6
4 9 2
3 5 7
8 1 6
Is good but not the least. The questions say unique number in each series of three numbers, not in all 9 numbers.
Rajesh
Your solution breaks the rules. You don't have unique numbers in your top-left to bottom-right diagonal. If this is allowed then the answer is three.
1, 1, 1
1, 1, 1
1, 1, 1
Teo that is correct, My Bad
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