Math Curiosity: Magic Squares
Objective
Students arrange integers into squares so that each row, column, and diagonal will add up to the same sum.
More on magic squares from Wikipedia.
Steps
- I introduce the idea of a magic square and then start students off with a 3×3 square that has 5 in the middle.
- As an extra hint, I reveal that the sums must all equal 15.
- Finally, I reveal the solution and challenge your students to try a 4×4 magic square!
Resources
- Blank Magic Squares (Google Slides)
- Blank Magic Squares (PDF)
- 4×4 Magic Square Hints and Solution (PDF) Progressively more hints.