Magic Squares

   
  Can you arrange the numbers 1 to 9 in a square so every row and column adds up to 15?  It's a lot easier if you use a spreadsheet that adds the numbers for you.
     
     Open Excel and try your hand at creating Magic Squares!
 
  A B C D
1       15
2       15
3       15
4 15 15 15 15
     
 

Click and drag to highlight cells A1 to D4.
  Add a border to those cells.
   
- With the cells highlighted, click on the down arrow next to the Outside Border icon () and select the All Borders icon in the last row.
  Add a light colored background to cells D1-D4 and A4, B4, and C4
   
- Click and drag to highlight desired cells.
- Click on the down arrow next to the Fill Color icon (paint bucket) and select the desired color.
  Click in cell D1.
 

Type the following formula to add cells A1, B1, and C1:  =A1+B1+C1
  Press the Enter key
  Click in cell D2.
  Type the following formula to add cells A2, B2, and C2:   =A2+B2+C2
  Press the Enter key.
  Click in cell D3 and enter the formula to add the numbers in that row.
 

Click in cell D4 and enter the formula for adding cells A1, B2, and C3.
 

Click in cell A4 and enter the formula for adding cells A1, A2, and A3.
 

Click in cells B4 and C4 to enter the formulas for adding those columns.
 

 

 
  Assignment:
  1. Create two magic squares using only the numbers 1-9 where all rows and columns total 15.
  2. In the first magic square, use each of the numbers 1-9 only once.
3. In the second magic square, use only the numbers 1-9 but repeat at least one number twice.  You must use more than one number.
Bonus:
Recreate a third magic square using the numbers 1-9.  It must be different from the first two, and you must use more than one number.  All rows and columns must still equal 15.

 

USD 259 - Wichita Public Schools
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