5 Jul 2013

Prize Maths Quiz: Magic X Square (PMQ26)

The image on the left is the magic square depicted in Albrecht Dürer’s famous etching entitled Melencolia I. Using all the whole numbers from 1 to 16, the sum of the numbers in every row, column and diagonal is a constant 34. There are 880 such normal magic 4x4 squares, compared to just the one distinct solution for the 3x3 magic square; it is customary to treat reflections and rotations of an arrangement as just one unique solution. This Dürer magic square is particularly ingenious as the sum of the four corners and the sum of the four central numbers also equal 34. However, today we’re going to look at something slightly different.

Instead of adding the numbers together, we are going to multiply them. Construct, using only distinct positive integers, a 4x4 magic square such that the product of each row, column and diagonal all equal the same number M. Find a square that yields the smallest possible value of M. Include your method of construction. 

Have fun!

Hint: the positive integers in the solution cannot be consecutive - try it! - but they do have a deeper kind of order.


You may discuss the question below, but no full answers, please, until the competition has closed!

You can receive these questions directly to your email box or read them in an RSS reader. Subscribe using the links on the right.

If you would like to DONATE PRIZES for the next PMQ, send me a message here.

How to Enter

Send your complete solution by email to pmq26loshu@giftedmaths.comThis email address shall be removed after the competition closes to avoid spam. This PMQ26 competition closes on MONDAY 8 July at 23:59 GMT - one extra weekday from now on.

The Prize

The prizes for this PMQ are 3 free places in our Online Maths Club for ONE YEAR. The very first correct solution will receive a prize plus two others randomly selected from all the other correct answers. The email time stamp shall determine the order of entries received. All winners can have their name posted and a link to their own online profile at their favourite social network or their own blog.

Quick Rules

Look at the expanded rules on our PMQ page.
Anybody can enter our Prize Maths Quiz; adults and students.
Use the official server clock in the right column to avoid late entries.
All emails and email addresses sent to us will be deleted after the winners have been processed.
DO NOT submit your entries to the comments section at the bottom of this post.
You CAN discuss it there but you must email us to enter the competition.
We adhere to COPPA guidelines regarding children's online safety and security.
Enjoy the challenge!
Send us your solution! You can't win if you don't participate.

Then tell your friends!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...