This is a classic
magic square puzzle. The goal is to place the numbers
1 through 9 (each used exactly once) into a 3×3 grid so that the sum of the numbers in each
row,
column, and both
diagonals equals
15.
---
🔍 Step-by-Step Solution:
We need to fill a 3×3 grid with numbers 1–9, no repeats, such that every row, column, and diagonal adds up to 15.
Let’s denote the grid as:
```
[ A ] [ B ] [ C ]
[ D ] [ E ] [ F ]
[ G ] [ H ] [ I ]
```
We want:
- Rows: A+B+C = 15, D+E+F = 15, G+H+I = 15
- Columns: A+D+G = 15, B+E+H = 15, C+F+I = 15
- Diagonals: A+E+I = 15, C+E+G = 15
---
🧠 Key Insight:
The
sum of all numbers from 1 to 9 is:
$$
1 + 2 + 3 + \dots + 9 = \frac{9 \times 10}{2} = 45
$$
Since there are 3 rows, and each must sum to 15, total sum is $ 3 \times 15 = 45 $ — which matches! So it's consistent.
Now, since each row, column, and diagonal must sum to 15, we can use known properties of magic squares.
---
✔ The Unique (up to rotation/reflection) 3×3 Magic Square
There is only
one basic 3×3 magic square using digits 1–9 (ignoring rotations and reflections), and it looks like this:
```
8 1 6
3 5 7
4 9 2
```
Let’s verify:
#### Rows:
- 8 + 1 + 6 = 15
✔
- 3 + 5 + 7 = 15
✔
- 4 + 9 + 2 = 15
✔
#### Columns:
- 8 + 3 + 4 = 15
✔
- 1 + 5 + 9 = 15
✔
- 6 + 7 + 2 = 15
✔
#### Diagonals:
- 8 + 5 + 2 = 15
✔
- 6 + 5 + 4 = 15
✔
Perfect!
---
📌 Final Answer:
Fill the grid like this:
```
[ 8 ] [ 1 ] [ 6 ]
[ 3 ] [ 5 ] [ 7 ]
[ 4 ] [ 9 ] [ 2 ]
```
This satisfies
all conditions: every row, column, and diagonal sums to
15.
---
💡 Tips for Solving It Yourself:
1.
Center must be 5: Since it's used in 4 lines (middle row, middle column, both diagonals), it needs to be the median value. The average of 1–9 is 5, so 5 goes in the center.
2.
Corner numbers are even (2, 4, 6, 8), and
edge numbers are odd (1, 3, 7, 9), but not always — actually, in this case, corners are 8, 6, 4, 2 (even), edges are 1, 3, 7, 9 (odd). This pattern helps.
3. Use trial and error with logic: if you pick a number for a corner, it affects three lines.
---
✔ You now have the solution! Just write the numbers in the boxes accordingly.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of critical thinking worksheet answers.