Let's solve this puzzle step by step.
We are given a 4×4 grid with symbols:
- Circle (○)
- Star (☆)
- Triangle (△)
Each row and column has a total sum, and we need to find the value of each symbol based on these sums.
Step 1: Assign variables
Let:
- ○ =
x
- ☆ =
y
- △ =
z
We’ll use the row and column totals to form equations.
---
Step 2: Use the row sums
Row 1: ○ + △ + △ + ☆ = 16
→ x + z + z + y = 16 → x + 2z + y = 16 →
(1)
Row 2: ☆ + ○ + ○ + ○ = 14
→ y + x + x + x = 14 → y + 3x = 14 →
(2)
Row 3: △ + ○ + ☆ + △ = 16
→ z + x + y + z = 16 → x + y + 2z = 16 →
(3)
Row 4: ☆ + ☆ + ☆ + ☆ = 20
→ 4y = 20 → y = 5 →
(4)
Great! We now know:
y = 5
---
Step 3: Plug y = 5 into other equations
From equation (2):
y + 3x = 14 → 5 + 3x = 14 → 3x = 9 → x = 3
So:
x = 3
Now plug x = 3 and y = 5 into equation (1):
x + 2z + y = 16 → 3 + 2z + 5 = 16 → 8 + 2z = 16 → 2z = 8 → z = 4
So:
z = 4
Let’s verify with equation (3):
x + y + 2z = 3 + 5 + 2×4 = 8 + 8 = 16
✔
Perfect.
---
Step 4: Check column sums
Now verify the column totals:
Column 1: ○ + ☆ + △ + ☆ = x + y + z + y = 3 + 5 + 4 + 5 = 17
✔
Column 2: △ + ○ + ○ + ☆ = z + x + x + y = 4 + 3 + 3 + 5 = 15
✔
Column 3: △ + ○ + ☆ + ☆ = z + x + y + y = 4 + 3 + 5 + 5 = 17
✔
Column 4: ☆ + ○ + △ + ☆ = y + x + z + y = 5 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 17
✔
All match!
---
Final Answer:
- ○ =
3
- ☆ =
5
- △ =
4
✔ All row and column sums are satisfied.
Let me know if you'd like a visual explanation or further breakdown!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of math riddle puzzle.