The Magic Square

PART ONE: THE GAUSS METHOD TO FIND THE MAGIC NUMBER

• There are nine consecutive numbers: 21- 29

o Step one: Find the magic number:
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 (there are 9 numbers in total)
§ Using the gauss method, add the largest number with the
smallest number:
29
+21
50
§ Next, multiply the amount of numbers (9) with the product (50)
then divide by 2 since there are 2 sets of numbers:
Set 1: (9)(50) ® 450 = 225
Set 2: 2 2
§ Since there is a 3x3 matrix, 225 will be divided again by 3.
225 ÷ 3 = 75
75
Therefore, the magic number is:

STEP 2: Filling in the matrix:

• The matrix is made up of nine squares
Strategy:
• Each row across, down,
and diagonal will have
three numbers when
added together will equal
the magic number of 75.
• There will be 8
combinations
Rule:
• There is no repeat
combinations
• There is no repeat
numbers in the line
Using the consecutive numbers 21-29:
• Add the with the largest number in the set and add it with the smallest
number in the set. Then minus the product with 75 to obtain the third
number in the row.
29 + + 21 = 75 ® 29+21=50
®75-50=25
29 + 25 + 21 = 75
• Next, add the largest number with the second smallest number. Then minus
product from 75 to obtain the third number in the row.
• Then move on to the second largest number and repeat process to obtain
third number.
• Continue till there are 8 combinations

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

1. 29 + 25 + 21 = 75 (29+21=50® 75-51=25)
2. 29 + 24 + 22 = 75 (29+22=51® 75-51=24)
3. 28 + 26 + 21 = 75
4. 28 + 25 + 22 = 75 Notice that the last
line is also all
5. 28 + 24 + 23 = 75 consecutive numbers.
6. 27 + 26 + 22 = 75
7. 27 + 25 + 23 = 75
8. 26 + 25 + 24 = 75
• Now we have all possible combinations to fill the matrix.
• Take a look at the numbers on the left. Notice the pattern
they also form. There are two 29’s three 28’s and two 27’s
and only one 26!
• Next tally up how many times we use each number

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
2 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 2

*Take a look at the center square, number 25. The number 25 is the most
used number and also is in the center number in the number line.
 *Notice that the number line has a pattern!
The pattern is: 2, 3, 2, 3, CENTER, 3, 2, 3, 2

Take a look at the matrix again to fill in the blanks:

(b) (b)

MOST USED
NUMBER
(a)
(b) (b)

• Since 25 is the most used number, 25 will be placed in the center most point.
• Next gather the next most used number in the number line and place them in (b)
22 24
25
*Notice: Fill the corners
26 28 from left to right.

• Use the equations to fill out the matrix:

22 29 24

27 25 23

26 21 28

*Notice how every across, down, and diagonal lines will all add up to 75. This concludes the
magic square!