Magic Squares/Magic Constant

  • #1
5
0

Homework Statement



a) Show that the magic constant of an nth order normal magic square is n(n^2+1)/2.
b) Show that the center of a 3x3 must be occupied by the number 5.
c) Show that in a normal magic square of 3x3 the number 1 can never occur in a corner cell.


Homework Equations



None needed

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to start.
 
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  • #2
For part (a), consider the sum of the numbers in the entire square. How does that relate to the magic constant?

For (b), try putting 1 in the center and see if you can tell why it doesn't work. Generalize.

Part (c) has a similar reason. Go ahead and put the 1 in a corner and see if you can get the three rows touching it to add up.
 
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