What are magic squares?

Answer

A Magic Square is an n x n matrix with each cell containing a number from 1 to n^2. You need to figure out where to place each number in the cells so that the sum of the vertical columns, horizontal rows, and main diagonal cells is the same. You can start out with a 3 x 3 matrix and build in complexity by working towards a 4 x 4 matrix and so on.

For example, let’s take a look at a simple 3 x 3 matrix. On a piece of paper construct a matrix that has 3 columns and 3 rows. Next, we will need to figure out where to place the numbers from 1 to n^2 or 1 to 32 = 1 to 9 in this case. Trial and error is the common first method to employ when solving this puzzle. Verify that the sum of each vertical column, horizontal row, and main diagonal is the same. The main diagonal means the two diagonals that go through the corners of the matrix.

Answer

An extra hint: In any (odd number) by (odd number) square, the number in the centre of the magic square is half of the number you are attempting to make all hoizontals and verticals add to.

First answer by JillianG. Last edit by ID3406461266. Question popularity: 66 [recommend question]