You are on page 1of 34

Running Head: Magic Squares

Magic Squares

Gitau Alex N.

Institution
Magic Squares 2

Magic Squares

Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................2

Sources showing how they are constructed.....................................................................................3

Constructing a magic square of 3................................................................................................4

Constructing an odd sequence magic grid...................................................................................5

Making a doubly even sequence enchantment quadrilateral.......................................................6

Making a square of sequence 4....................................................................................................6

The superposition method............................................................................................................7

Euler's method..............................................................................................................................7

Narayana-De la Hire's approach..............................................................................................10

Borders approach......................................................................................................................11

Continuous enumeration methods..............................................................................................11

Get practice creating your own......................................................................................................12

History of the magic square...........................................................................................................17

Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Fullani al-Kishnawi: Mathematics, magic, and religion.............27

References......................................................................................................................................32
Magic Squares 3

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin, a famous American scholar, once called the magic squares the "troublesome

trifles" because they were incapable of being utilized in any scientific field. Benjamin believed

that magic squares were never worthy of his precious time. His vantage point was wrong because

even Euclid's Elements can be considered useless because they fail to have any pragmatic use in

the real world (Theodore, 2010). Funny enough, Benjamin denied his assertions as he ended up

spending time compiling some outstanding magic squares himself.

In mathematics, a magic square is defined as an array of unique positive integers such

that the sums of the digits in every column, main diagonal, and row are equivalent. The integer n

highlights the magic order, and the ongoing sum is referred to as the magic constant. If 1, 2… n 2

is the range of the integers, they are regarded as usual. Some mathematicians assume magic

squares to mean the ordinary magic square (Theodore, 2010). Magic squares, which encompass

redundant entries, cannot be included in this definition, and they are known as trivial.

The investigation of magic squares handles development, grouping, and count. Despite

the fact that general techniques of making magic squares with all borders are not in existence,

historically, three methods have been realized (Taneja, 2017). The three approaches include the

bordering technique, the creation of composite magic squares, and the addition of two

preliminary squares. Apart from the general ones, specific strategies, such as the continuous

enumeration method, generate specific motifs. Magic squares are categorized depending on order

n. this categorization is pegged on distinct approaches necessary to make oddly odd, odd, and

evenly even squares (Pickover, 2009). Beaconed on the square’s characteristics, they can also be

categorized as the most-perfect, pan diagonal, and associative magic squares. Challenging
Magic Squares 4

attempts have also been made to categorize squares of a provided sequence as modifications of a

minute square set. They have only been successful with n less than 5, and the count of higher-

sequence enchantment squares remains a challenge. Most-perfect Square's count was only

achieved as curtains fell in on the last century.

In China, this squares have blessed their lives since 190 BCE. At certain times in history,

the magic square gained occult importance, and it appeared as symbols in art. Currently, the

magic squares have been made general in numerous ways, including utilizing additional

constraints, employing shapes that alternate, multiplying instead of summing up the cells, and

introducing shapes and other geometric operations while doing away with numbers.

Sources showing how they are constructed

Over the years, numerous techniques for making enchantment squares were realized. These

techniques could be categorized as either common or particular. Common techniques permit the

construction of more than a single magic square in particular. On the other hand, special

techniques enable the construction of just a single square of a specific sequence. Specials

techniques can be considered as unique calculations, while common techniques call for some

form of test and err.

Special or exceptional techniques are common, and they are recognized as the simplest

way of making a magic square. They are known to follow specific algorithms that churn out

recurring motifs of numerals within a square. To prove that the special techniques are correct,

then a general approach can be utilized. Once an enchantment square has been made utilizing a

unique technique, transfigurations can be embraced to give more magic squares (Al-Ashhab,
Magic Squares 5

2013). Unique methods are named after the person who developed them, for example, De la

Loubere's method, among many more.

Except for order 2, enchantment squares have been developed for all values of n. magic

squares can be categorized depending on their order as odd, singly even, and doubly even. This

categorization is pegged because distinct approaches require to be embraced to develop these

distinct kind of squares (Al-Ashhab, 2012). Doubly even and odd enchantment squares are noted

as simply to make, but the development of a singly even is quite hard, despite multiple

techniques being in existence, such as the Strachey method and the LOX method.

Constructing a magic square of 3

É. Lucas developed the common method for the enchantment squares of order 3 in the 19 th

century. Take a look at the following table consisting of a, b, and c:

These nine numerals are unique positive integers that make a magic square if 0< a<b< c – aand b

≠ 2a. Plus, each 3*3 magic square has unique integers in this form. Lee Sallows, in 1997, noted

that leaving behind reflections and rotations, then each unique parallelogram sketched within the

diagram, referred to as Argand, described a distinct three by three grid, and the reverse is true, an

observation that had not been previously acknowledged (Xin, 2008).

Constructing an odd sequence magic grid

An approach to be utilized in the construction of enchantment quadrilateral of an odd sequence

was authored by De la Loubère. Within his publication works, he noted the approach known as
Magic Squares 6

"A new historical relation of the kingdom of Siam" in 1963 (Xin, 2008). The method functions as

noted below:

This technique directs beginning in the middle column within the first row utilizing the number

1. Following this, the basic motion of diagonally topping the squares off and right, with extra

special care. On the off chance that one experiences a full square, at that point one makes a

vertically down move rather, at that point advances as in the past (Xin, 2008). If an "up and to

one side" move leaves the square, it is encased around to the primary segment or last line,

separately.

It is possible to start from a different quadrilateral instead of the middle column that is located

within the top row. Still, only the column and row summation will be similar, resulting in a

magic sum, and on the other hand, the diagonal sums will be different. Hence, a semi-magic

square will result and not a real magic square. Magic squares can also result if one moves in

other directions apart from the northeast.


Magic Squares 7

Making a doubly even sequence enchantment quadrilateral

When n is an even multiple of a numeral that is even then considered a doubly even.

Comprehensive motif – every numerals is jotted down beginning left doing right across every

row, beginning from the upper left side. Numerals can be interchanged or maintained. Within

order four magic square, the numerals within the four middle grid and one grid at every edge are

maintained at one place. Whilst the rest get switched with numbers, which are irreconcilable.

Making a square of sequence 4

Start at the topside in the left corner, move from left to the other side between every row within

the quadrilateral, and counting every cell. After arriving at the base right cell, serge ahead by

doing right going to the other side, utilizing the base right as the underlying purpose of the table

between each line (Xin, 2008), and fill the non-slanting cell (running from one to sixteen) with

numerals that relate, as demonstrated as follows:


Magic Squares 8

The superposition method

Narayana, an Indian mathematician, made the earliest known discovery of the superposition

technique. The same technique was rediscovered in Europe in the 18th century. Despite

Narayana discovering it the first, the method is known as the de la Hire's technique. Euler's

scripts on the enchantment square is noted to be common. Despite this fact, he still went ahead

and speculated the impracticability of generating the uniformly odd sequenced commonly

perpendicular Graeco-Latin quadrilaterals. This speculation was refuted in the last century. For

lucidity of presentation, two significant variations of this technique have been identified.

Euler's method

This technique calls for the construction of two preparatory squares that give the magic square

when summed together. To lucidly explain this point, take a three by three quadrilateral. One can

distinctly append every numeral of three by three common quadrilateral using a pair of digits, as

shown in the diagram below:

Where each pair of Greek alphabets ought to be summed together. In this case, (α, β, γ) = (0, 3,

6) and (a, b, c) = (1, 2, 3). The digits 0, 3, and 6 are regarded as the root numerals whilst the
Magic Squares 9

digits 1, 2, and 3 are known as the fundamental numerals. A vital overall impediment in this case

happens to be

 Greek alphabets can only be united with a Latin alphabets only one time

Hence, the initial quadrilateral should be divided into two grids:

The lettered squares are noted as Latin or Greek squares if they contain Greek or Latin letters in

abundance. It is possible to construct a magic square by making sure that Latin and Greek grids

are also enchantment quadrilaterals. The discourse in this particular assertion is in many occasion

real. Hence, the technique is viable for both the synthesis and examination of enchantment grids.

Finally, by analyzing the motif that has numerals are spread out within the complete grid, there is

a possibility of coming up with an algorithm that is faster to create higher-order squares, which

replicate specific motifs, without the need of making the initial Latin and Greek squares.

While making the three by three enchantment grid, the Latin and Greek quadrilaterals

that possess thee distinct variables are simpler to handle than with the initial square, which has

nine distinct values. The column total and the row total for the Greek quadrilateral will be

similar, β + α + γ, if

 Every alphabet makes a single appearance within a specific row or column


Magic Squares 10

This can be fulfilled via a circular permutation of the alpha, beta and gamma. By meeting these

grounds, you can create a semi-enchantment grid in a way that Latin and Greek grids are

commonly perpendicular to one another.

When creating a magic square, one ought to ensure that the diagonals add to the magic constant.

Hence there is a third condition:

 In the situation of an odd sequenced grid, a solo diagonal can be made up of entirely the

middle term. Or the overall alphabets can display one time in the two diagonals.

The commonly perpendicular Latin and Greek squares, which satisfy the third condition's initial

part, are noted to be commonly perpendicular doubly slanting Graeco-Latin squares.

Odd quadrilaterals: of the three by three non-uniform grids, the total is equivalent to the product

of the order, and the midterm given α, β, and γ are in number-crunching movement. Thus, the

askew complete will be proportionate if there are βs in the principle corner to corner and α, β, γ

in the slant inclining. A similar certainty will hold water with the Latin square.

Changing the estimations of the Latin and Greek alphabets, we shall get the three by three

enchantment square.
Magic Squares 11

Regarding the odd squares, this technique elaborates why De la Loubère approach and its variant

are valid. This fundamental approach ought to utilize in making non uniform sequenced grids of

higher sequences.

Narayana-De la Hire's approach

Narayana-De la Hire's methodology for non-uniform grid is like Euler's technique.

Notwithstanding, for squares that are even, the subsequent essential is dropped that each Latin

and Greek letter shows up once in the section or a column. This grants one to ride on the way

that a number-crunching movement that has significantly number of terms is equal to the all out

of two inverse symmetric terms, which have been duplicated by 0.5 the whole of the terms.

Subsequently, while making Latin or Greek squares,

 Indeed, even arranged squares, a letter can spring up seem 0.5n occasions inside a section

yet independently in succession, or the other route round. Henceforth, integral pair α and

δ (or β and γ) can spring up twice inside a segment or a column and still create the

enchantment total. Which means we can build:

 For uniformly sequenced quadrilaterals, the Greek enchantment grid’s creation demands

initially putting the Greek letters aligned to the principal slant in a similar sequence. The

tilted lines are then filled with a similar sequence, complementary to the values within the

principal diagonal. Lastly, the unfilled cells get filled column-wise.

In the model given below, the principal corner to corner is loaded up with succession sequenced

as α, β, γ, δ, while the slant inclining dispatched in a comparable sequence. The new cells are

then filled section astute with the end goal that the reciprocal letters spring up just a single time

in succession, however doubly in a segment.


Magic Squares 12

The figure above elaborates why the "crisscross" technique for doubly even works.

Borders approach

Bordering approach for the third sequence

In this methodology, the principle objective is to bind an outskirt around brief quadrilaterals that

plays like the heart. Take 3*3 square; for instance, we get 0, ± 1, ± 2, ± 3, and ± 4 that we will

call the bone numerals. The enchantment perpetual of an enchantment square that we will call

the skeleton grid will be equal to the value zero on the grounds that adding all the lines of an

enchantment grid.

It is easy asserting that the center numeral ought to be mounted at the middle cell: taking

x to be the numeral at the center of the cell, then the total of the center row, center column, and

the two diagonals gives Σ k + 3 x = 4 M.

Continuous enumeration methods

Comprehensive counting of all the boundaries of the enchantment grid of a specific sequence is

hectic. Hence, a structured solution is usually desired that permits the construction of a bound for

a grid of any sequence (Porter, Saif, & Savage‐Smith, 2017). In the section below, three

calculations for making an outskirt for doubly even, separately even, and odd grids. Continuous

enumeration algorithms came to be courtesy of two Arab mathematicians, al-Buzjani and al-
Magic Squares 13

Antaki, in the 10th century. But they were not the original discoverers. The exposition of these

treatises opened doors for many algorithms to be discovered.

Odd ordered squares – this approach was put across al-Buzjani to make a border of odd

numbers. This present methodology's uniqueness is that for sequence n grid, the two neighboring

corners are numbers n - 1 and n + 1.

Beginning from the cell over the lower-left corner, we place the digits on the other hand

in the left section and base column until we get to the middle cell (Porter, Saif, and Savage‐

Smith, 2017). The number that follows is written down in the middle cell of the base line; at that

point, we will fill the cell situated at the upper left corner, at that point the center cell in the

correct segment, at that point the upper right. At that point, starting from the cell over the middle

cell of the correct section previously filled, continue the digits' substitute arrangement inside the

correct segment and top line. Having filled one portion of the outskirt, the other half is loaded by

numerals correlative to the contrary cells.

Get practice creating your own

Let us make a magic grid using the numbers 1 to 9.

Stage 1: Keep the principal numeral at the middle segment of the top row.
Magic Squares 14

Stage 2: Go one grid up and a single grid right to move North East. If this moves you out of the

grid, go vertically down and keep up the following number there.

Stage 3: move one space up and one space right. In the event that you are still inside the network,

move to one side and mount the numeral there.

Stage 4: Go one square right, at that point one square up. On the off chance that space is filled, at

that point keep the following numeral inside the square beneath.

Stage 5: go a single grid to the right then rise by a single grid


Magic Squares 15

Stage 6: Go a single grid right and go one grid up.

Stage 7: Go a single square right then go up by a single square. This happens for corners only.

Keep the next digit in the space below.

Stage 8: Go one square right and go up by also a single square.


Magic Squares 16

Stage 9: Go a single square right then make a single straight up. Since you are outside the grid,

move to the bottom vertically.

Create a magic square whose order is divisible by 4

An even-sequenced quadrilateral, thought about the littlest conceivable, is comprised of 4 lines

and 4 sections. They are utilizing the numerals 1 to 16 that gives an enchantment total of 34. To

get to 64, at that point two 'passes' are required. To understand the main pass, start at the upper

left and gradually move across to one side and afterward down, simultaneously hopping over any

crate, which is located on both of the two driving diagonals.

For the subsequent pass, start at the base right and do to one side and the ascent.
Magic Squares 17
Magic Squares 18

History of the magic square

Magic square has a history that is not so certain yet goes past several years back with just

speculation of the same put down in literature. However, this had not deprived it, yet it is

fascinating past and path of origin up to the point when it came so interest people since it is

known for its way of jogging up minds. The first tale tied to this interest mind game is that of

this Chinese during such a time of tragedy as severe instances of flooding in the region where he

used to leave. This calamity was believed to be a result of punishment to the people from one of

the gods that were believed to be of floods. As per the customs, such disasters would be stopped

by offering sacrifices to the god that is believed is responsible for the prevailing calamity

(Neeradha). The god of the flooding river Lo at the moment was therefore being offered to

sacrifice when a unique turtle appeared in the water that had such an astonishing pattern on its

shell. The pattern was in such a way that it had circular dots displayed in a three by three grid.

The summation of numbers from every column, row, and diagonal was equivalent to 15.

Surprisingly, the people managed to control and reduce the river water levels using this pattern

on the shell of the turtle, which prompted its name of the enchantment square. The figure beneath

shows an average case of the enchantment square observed on the turtle's backshell

(Ramasubramanian, 2019).

4 9 2

3 5 7

8 1 6
Magic Squares 19

A similar square motivated Ming' Tang palace floor plan that is an ancient mythical

Chinese palace. It is equally noted that early Greek mathematicians dated up to back in 1300 BC

also recorded something about the magic square.

During the first century in Turkey at Smyrna town, Theon was born. Theon was known

for his capability to exhaust mathematical concepts that still fascinate the world, including

triangular numbers and square numbers. Even though it is believed that he also did some great

work with three by three magic square, the only fact about this is that he invented a way of

ordering numbers 1 to 9 within a grid even though not in such a manner that the columns, rows,

and diagonals added up to an equivalent constant sum. In Arab, the three by three magic square

was known for its lucky charm, and in the 13 th century, the even released a ten by ten magic

square (Neeradha). The theory has it that Arabs got this knowledge of magic square from Indian

mathematicians between the 7th and 8th centuries. Even so, Arabs are believed to have been the

first to come up with the procedure for developing magic squares. Nevertheless, Indians

appeared to be the pioneers of 4 squares just before discovering the three squares. As early as

550AD, four by four types of the magic square were used by Varahamihira in describing the

recipe for perfume; however, the first three by three square was established by Indians in

900AD.

By 1300AD, the magic square was first introduced in Europe by Moschopolous Manuel

who is assumed to have learned about these squares through the Arabs. Nonetheless, the most

known European magic square work come about in 1514, which is best represented in figure 1.

Someone did this by the name Albrecht Durer with an engraving that is allegorical self-

described.
Magic Squares 20

Figure 1: An illustration of Albrecht Durer's artwork of magic square.

A very much renowned magic square of this category in England deployed the use of

palindrome, a Latin word for SATOR, AREPO, TENET, OPERA, ROTAS (Taneja, 2017). This

is translating to Arepo, the mechanic, direct the work of the wheels. The above Latin words were

fitted in a five by five square, as shown in figure 2.

Figure 2. Shows Palindrome of Latin words.


Magic Squares 21

The founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, was known for his

excellence in multiple studies; however, he was never appreciated for excellent work in

developing a magic square as should have. Nonetheless, Franklin's work in magic squares

displayed some uniqueness level with only its diagonal adhering to the requirement of a magic

square that is providing the magical sum (Neeradha). Franklin managed to develop up to sixteen

by sixteen magic square, which he termed as the magically magic of all times that any magician

would have ever made.

A magic square is also tied to the Chinese myth that elaborates on the story of King Yu,

who found a tortoise with a striking pattern on its shell as he was walking along the yellow river.

As a result of too much flooding, the king tried to drain the water out when he noticed a turtle in

water will this beautiful pattern on its shell, as shown in figure 3.

Figure 3: Shows the turtle with the striking pattern on its back shell that the king spotted.

The magic square center is always to order numbers within some square cells so that

individual rows, columns, and diagonal sum up to the same throughout (Taneja, 2017). There

various types of magic squares such as Dudeney's prime square, which is a discovery of Henry

Dudeney. Henry was a mathematician and English author who was known for his proficiency

with logic puzzles arithmetic games. Dudeney's magic square is shown in figure 4 and is a third-

order square that uses prime numbers with 111 as its magic number.
Magic Squares 22

Figure 4: An illustration of Dudeney's prime square.

It is thought that magic square is one of the discoveries with an exciting history being

drawn back to the third millennium B.C in the Yu Chinese emperor. Since then, its roots have

grown and spread to capture several cultures and traditions of mathematicians as well as lovers

of numbers (Neeradha). The magic square of third-order seen on the turtle's backshell has been

compared to the ones shown in figure 5 Lo Shu (the pattern), symbolizing numerical numbers

from 1 to 9 used to fill a three by three square.

Figure 5: Shows a clear image of the pattern on the turtle's shell.

To establish the real mathematical concept behind the number arrangement with a magic

square, a question was posted in 1801 by one of the mathematical scholars that have since

remained intriguing for all these years in the people's minds. The question sought to answer to
Magic Squares 23

that type of arrangement that nine digits should be placed within a quadrangular form so that any

of the three digits among the nine digits just sum up to 15?

However, this question changed in the 20th century to a European version that was more

picturesque in the northern Germany Monasteries. This has been elaborated on a scenario where

three monk brothers, at a cologne, were in possession of 9 cases of wine. Each of the nine casks

had one bucket when wines were equally divided among the three monk brothers without

spoiling any cask, and each brother would receive fifteen wines. Therefore, this type of problem

has its origin traced to the turtle's shell pattern which has managed to deliver a cosmic unity map

for heaven and people, good fortune for a talisman, a medieval alchemist's key for the

transmuting lead to gold attempt, an astrological way of communication with Saturn the planet,

childbirth helping guide among others (Dawood, Rahma, & Abdul, 2016). Ever since, the Lo

Shu has acted as a guide for deriving some other magic squares. This has often aided the

accomplishment of the other seven third-order square of magic by rotating and reflecting about

the Lo Shu's significant axes. Another one is derived through multiplying all the Lo Shu terms by

a constant or even adding a similar integer or subtracting from every individual term to realize a

new third-order square.

Another magician named Lee Sallow, in his 20s, relocated from London to Netherland,

where he dropped so many LSD. During one of his acid trips, he began to sketch magic squares.

This was guided by the knowledge he had obtained through reading a scientific magazine. The

magic square concept has prevailed for a thousand years and continuously developed over time

with the changes in technology and modes of doing things (Taneja, 2017). During this lengthy

period of transition, mathematicians and scientists have been continuously fascinated by their

work in developing a new magic square similar to Sallow's case during this trip. Over the years,
Magic Squares 24

Sallow's interest in drawing magic square developed further, and he became so passionate about

drawing them. After a couple of decades of drawing, he experiences and discoveries with magic

square expanded, opening a whole new chapter in his life as one of the mathematicians. At one

point, he did something that had never been done before by simply filling his magic square using

geometrical shapes instead of numbers and digits. What was fascinating about this how he

realize the logic behind the magic square instead of his row? Columns and diagonals add up to

some constant value. His geometrical shape on the rows, column, and diagonals fitted together to

produce a similar master shape and called it geometrical square. Sallow's magic geometrical

square is shown in figure 6.

Figure 6: Shows Sallow's geometrical square.

According to one of the mathematical professors at Queen Mary University

acknowledges geometrical square as an exciting new piece of adventurous mathematicians that

can as well interest non-mathematicians while giving them something to think about. Even

though this piece of art originated from china in approximately 4000 years ago, it was not

confined within the boundaries of china but got its way out into Indian amulets of magic squares

worn as a protective charm (Taneja, 2017). In Turkey, warriors' shirts were embroidered by
Magic Squares 25

virgins using magic square, and in the western part of Europe, there were used as a means of

communication by astrologers.

Sallow's development and increased mathematical skills, have enabled him to introduce a lot

more ideas and concepts into the magic square field. Pivoted by symmetries within magic

squares, Sallow's formulated new rules that enabled him to develop a whole new spectrum of the

magic square with the introduction of alpha magic square. This created a lot more excitement in

mathematics lovers in the ways whole this new concept was challenging and involving the mind

thus enhancing the platform for proof of brilliance.

Sallow's determination and hard work have fascinated many math scholars to a level that

has compelled their imagination of what would have become of Sallow should he had gotten the

opportunity to study to their level with all the abilities and talents displayed in his inventions

(Ramasubramanian, 2019). His approach to developing these magical squares is purely based on

a mathematical concept and ideology. Sallow obsession with the magic square is the most

interesting part of it. It even made the people around him believe that he is not mentally straight

or predominantly hallucinating, especially when he started doodling magic squares.

Lo Shu for a very long time has been believed to have been the only three by three magic

square that can be constructed when the nine digits are all used up. But Sallow disapproved of

this when he first did his three by three geometrical square which he filled using nine

polyominoes with areas 1 to 9. With this, he realized that there can be 1411 geometrical squares

if the center shape is three by five rectangle. Four thousand three hundred seventy with the target

shape of four by four lacking the central square piece and many more.
Magic Squares 26

In the 18th-century magic, the square had become so much known when Leonhard Euler

spotted the necessity to create a master plan for future developments of magic squares. Euler's

idea was to come up with a magic square where each number would only once within a row and

a column of every square (Zhong, Weibin, & Kai, 2016). This made Euler be the first

mathematician to be able to analyze magic square systematically. He then introduced a new

concept of superimposing two Latin squares on each other so that each cell becomes unique to

the grid—this one he named Graeco-Latin Square.

By 1796, Euler instituted the 36 problems for officers that led to such intense academic

work. He tasked them with developing a 6*6 Graeco-Latin Square that consists of six regiments

for six officers each of distinct ranks to ensure no rank or regiment is recurrent within any row or

column. This was only proved this impossible in the year 1901. Graeco- Latin and Latin squares

have realized many applications and use even in non-mathematical environments with the best

one displayed in puzzle books and newspapers to be able to jog up the minds of individuals

reading the newspaper or puzzle books (Ranjani, 2019). For instance, the commonly known

Sudoku which forms part of handset games is a puzzle square of 9*9 Latin that always has nine

digits in each row and column. The added specification is that there 3*3 sub squares within the

center of the mother 9*9 Latin square that also has the numbers 1 to 9 just before the Sudoku

puzzle was Rubik's Cube with a history that tracks back to magic square.

During the mid-19th century, Noyes Palmer Chapman of New York Upstate, who was an

amateur fanatic of magic squares, constructed a real-time magic square model in that the digits 1

to 16 on a wooden square that fitted in four by four box. He then noticed that if he dropped one

square, it was still possible to slide the remaining 15 square about (Dawood, Rahma, & Abdul,
Magic Squares 27

2016). This later become the 15 puzzle that was a global fad in the year 1880 also known as the

inventive sliding block that was in 3D when the idea of Rubik's Cube was first identified.

The history of the magic square which was later branded puzzle, is unique to itself as

most of the mathematicians that got the opportunity to bring forth their idea always based their

logics on the Lo Shu (the turtle will a uniquely patterned back shell). Even the Chinese king Yu

who first spotted the turtle could not ignore its fascinating patterns that were later on turned into

profitable solutions. Puzzles likewise have often helped activate an individual's mind including

those that are not mathematics fanatics. Scientists and mathematicians in them strive to establish

the origin of the magic square and have often discovered varied methods that can still be traced

to the ancient findings and procedure. Hence magic squares chronology is instituted on Chinese

myths and Turkish traditions.


Magic Squares 28

Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Fullani al-Kishnawi: Mathematics, magic, and religion.

Ever thought about how religion, enchantment, and science are associated? Then pay close

attention to the scribes of Muhammad al-Fullani, of the modern day Nigeria. Shockingly, very

little about his life is known, but what we do have are his quotes and manuscripts, which reveal

the kind of person and mathematician he was (Anderson, 2001). By reading the notes jotted

down by Muhammad al-Fullani, we can tell the kind of Mathematics he worked on.

Scholars are still debating the year when Muhammad was born; luckily, we realize that

he invested his energy growing new techniques for creating enchantment squares and finishing

the five Islamic pillars. Muhammad is viewed as an extraordinary researcher and a talented one

since he was a spiritualist, a cosmologist, a stargazer, and a mathematician who assumed a

significant function in building up the enchantment squares (Anderson, 2001). Muhammad was

an individual from the Fulani tribe, and he is noted to be among the primary gathering of

individuals to be changed over to Islam. Among the West African clans, the Fulani public were

known to be free and serious. They additionally significantly affected West Africa's international

relations, as they did financial shrewd. The Fulani clan is well known for its set of experiences in

raising steers (Anderson, 2001). They used Islam as their competitive soul to vanquish new land

in current Nigeria.
Magic Squares 29

Because of his confidence, Muhammad used a tremendous bit of his life in Saudi Arabia

playing his obligations as a committed Muslim. Because of his commitment to the Islamic

religion, he is cited saying the principal mainstay of the Islamic confidence, which urges

individuals to work freely and covertly (Porter, Saif, and Savage‐Smith, 2017). A characteristic

that we can close he passed it down to his understudies. In the wake of closing the fifth mainstay

of Islam, the journey at Mecca, Muhammad moved to Egypt. Whilst in Egypt, in 1732, he jotted

down a manuscript in Arabic regarding the magic squares of up to the eleventh order (Anderson,

2001). Unfortunately, in 1741, he died before returning to his home country of Katsina.

Does it trouble you when you trust you have aced an idea to find out you are not close?

Try not to stress since certain matters are not commonly the manner in which they give off an

impression of being. In the outflows of Muhammad, "Don't surrender, for that is obliviousness

and not as per the principles of this craft. The individuals who know expressions of the human

experience of war and executing can't envision the anguish and agony of a respectable science

specialist. Like the darling, you can't plan to make progress without endless tirelessness." This

statement portrays the torment and enduring of somebody who doesn't satisfy his maximum

capacity by surrendering. Muhammad's declaration reveals to the world the idea of his work like

a scholar (Burak, 2019). He is noted as a committed person to the field of number juggling, yet

Muhammad required his understudies to appreciate and oblige him in god's assurance. This

could not be cultivated without investing energy and time, duty, and practice. Surely, giving up

is not an alternative.

Inquisitive concerning what this has to do with math, charm, and religion? The proper

reaction returns several years to a brilliant turtle called Lo Shu in archaic China (Anderson,

2001). On the rear of this heavenly creature, showed an arrangement of numerals:


Magic Squares 30

Anything extraordinary about this square? On the off chance that you give close

consideration, you will see that all lines, all segments, and the two head diagonals indicate

fifteen. This arrangement of numbers wherein lines, sections, and head diagonals total to a

comparative number is known as an enchanted square. For example, the line comprising of four-

in addition to nine in addition to two is equivalent to the section of four in addition to three in

addition to eight, equivalent to the slanting of two in addition to five in addition to eight. These

totals are identical to fifteen. The astounding number fifteen is known as the mysterious

consistent. Muhammad's work in the mathematical articulations included structure up a system to

consider higher-request mystical squares (Burak, 2019). The request for mysterious square is

found by counting the quantity of lines and segments. For example, the mystical square that

appeared on the radiant turtle Lo Shu, above is of request three. All mystical squares have an odd

request. The odd request is imperative in light of the fact that an even solicitation square does not

agree to every property of a supernatural square. For example, one can have a precise request

wherein the lines and sections add to a comparative worth. Regardless, the diagonals of the

square won't total to a comparable spiritualist consistent. The digits will reiterate themselves, and

in a certified baffling square, the numbers are used only a solitary time. The numerals used in an

enchantment square can be found by copying the quantity of lines by the quantity of sections

(Anderson, 2001). This is likewise proportional to squaring the request found by checking the

quantity of segments or columns.


Magic Squares 31

Muhammad built up an equation to get the supernatural steady, the digit, the quantity of

lines, sections, diagonals, and a way to deal with finding the focal square. The condition for

finding the mysterious consistent is n(n^2 + 1)/2, where n is proportional to the enchantment

square (Burak, 2019). The second formula that Muhammad made was (n^2 + 1)/2. In fact, n is

the solicitation for the square, and in this work process, we can decide the middle number.

Muhammad's work on enchantment squares was beginning to assemble theory. By pack,

we suggest that numerous parts are shut, cooperative, contains a personality, and contains

inverses for each segment. Muhammad saw that one can play out explicit exercises, for instance,

reflection about a center or transformations of up to any degree and not change the square's

properties. This inferred out of one fundamental, the beginning stage could now make a set

number of enchanted squares, and the properties would even now stay steady. For example, the

going with enchanted squares are a comparative square as above reflected about the x-rotate and

turned ninety degrees.

Muhammad exhibited that blends of two reflections are the gathering of dihedral.

Basically, these two reflections produce the rest of the social event. This circumstance makes
Magic Squares 32

infers that total blends of these reflections create a set quantity of segments. Eight segments that

exist are removed from the segments in this social occasion (Anderson, 2001). They fuse the

character and its opposite and the backwardness of one another parts. This get-together is also

associated and is closed within the associations (Suleiman, 2007). Simply the grid position gets

reflected, and not the numerals. So that you do not end up with an E representing a three.

Even though Muhammad belonged to no minority race or religion within Africa, the rest

of the world viewed him as a minority in light of his vocation as a scholar. Additionally, within

the numerical world, there was only a handful of rare sorts of people who were not Christians or

white. Theories that claimed that Africans could not break down a puzzle and that they were

inferior had stuck with the minds of the whites until recently. Even with this negative energy, al-

Fullani never surrendered (Pickover, 2009). He surged forward despite everything, and he never

yielded to the hardships of being racially and religiously profiled. Al-Fullani showed the

individuals of the past and present that regardless of race, nationality, or creed, you should never

give up and always focus on individual life goals. If Al-Fullani had let racial profiling disrupt

everything, he could not have developed the numerical formulas and ideas of group hypotheses

utilized centuries later.


Magic Squares 33

References

Al-Ashhab, S. (2012). Special magic squares of order six and eight. International Journal of

Digital Information and Wireless Communications (IJDIWC), 1(4), 769-781.

Al-Ashhab, S. (2013). Special magic squares of order six. Research Open Journal of

Information Science and Application, 1(1), 01-19.

Anderson, D. L. (2001). Magic squares: discovering their history and their magic. Mathematics

Teaching in the Middle School, 6(8), 466.

Burak, G. (2019). The Section on Prayers, invocations, unique qualities of The Quran, and Magic

Squares in the Palace library inventory. In Treasures of Knowledge: An Inventory of the

Ottoman Palace Library (1502/3-1503/4) (2 vols) (pp. 341-366). Brill.

Dawood, O. A., Rahma, A. M. S., & Hossen, A. M. J. A. (2016). Generalized Method for

Constructing Magic Cube by Folded Magic Squares. International Journal of Intelligent

Systems and Applications, 8(1), 1.

Neeradha, C. K., & Mallayya, V. M. Distinctive Properties of Strongly Magic Square. rn, 55, 7.

Pickover, C. A. (2009). The math book: from Pythagoras to the 57th dimension, 250 milestones

in the history of mathematics. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.


Magic Squares 34

Porter, V., Saif, L., & Savage‐Smith, E. (2017). Medieval Islamic Amulets, Talismans, and

Magic. A Companion to Islamic Art and Architecture, 521-57.

Ramasubramanian, K. (2019). Early Pan Diagonal Magic Squares in India. In Gaṇitānanda (pp.

299-312). Springer, Singapore.

Ranjani, J. J. (2017). Data hiding using pseudo magic squares for embedding high payload in

digital images. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 76(3), 3715-3729.

Suleiman, F. (2007). Word of Cod, Art of Man.

Taneja, I. J. (2017). Magic Rectangles in Construction of Block-Wise Pan Magic Squares (pp. 1-

47). RGMIA Research Report Collection, 20.

Theodore (2010). Magic squares and R. P. Lohse's concrete art. Accessed on October 6th, 2020.
https://pavlopoulos.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/magic-squares-and-r-p-lohses-concrete-art/
Xin, G. (2008). Constructing all magic squares of order three. Discrete mathematics, 308(15),

3393-3398.

Zhong, W., Deng, Y. H., & Fang, K. T. (2016, October). Image encryption by using magic

squares. In 2016 9th International Congress on Image and Signal Processing,

Biomedical Engineering and Informatics (CISP-BMEI) (pp. 771-775). IEEE.

You might also like