Hi
Can you solve a 3x3 magic square with a total of 25? Is it possible with whole numbers? Does the middle number have to be a third of the total?
Thanks
John B

The "standard" 3x3 magic square adds to 15. If you want it to add to any value X you can simply increment each of the entries in the "standard" version by (X-15)/3. With that you should be able to answer the first two questions. As for the third one: a little thinking about what happens if the middle number is less than 1/3 the total (or more than 1/3) and what the implications would be for the other numbers should help you get the answer.

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So I presume it's not possible with total of 25 using whole integers.

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So I presume it's not possible with total of 25 using whole integers.

I believe that's correct.

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