Math Logic |
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Question : |
What are 'Magic Squares' ? |
Answer : |
Magic Squares consist of a number of integers arranged in the form of a square in such a way that the sum of the numbers
in every row, in every column and each diagonal is the same. |
Magic Squares originated as an amusement in old time when
mystical ideas were associated with particular numbers. |
Even before the Christian Era Magic Squares were constructed in
China. Then introduction into Europe appears to have been in the early part of the fifteeth century. |
A Magic Square engraved on a silver plate was sometimes prescribed as a charm against the plague. |
The term Magic Square is also sometimes used to refer to any of various types of Word Square. |
Normal magic squares exist for all orders n >= 1 except n = 2, although the case n = 1 is
trivial, it consists of a single cell containing the number 1.
For order 3 it is shown below:
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The constant sum in every row, column and diagonal is called the magic constant or magic sum, (M).
The magic constant of a normal magic square depends only on n and has the value |
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