Question

In a 3x3 square, write the numbers 0; 1; 2; 2; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8 to make the sums the same in rows, columns, and diagonals. What is the common sum?

A. 15
B. 16
C. 17
D. 18

Answer 1

To fill a 3x3 square with the given numbers so that the sum of the rows, columns, and diagonals is equal, the common sum is found to be 15. This involves arranging the numbers in a specific pattern where each line sums to the same total, demonstrating both arithmetic and problem-solving abilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve the problem of arranging the numbers 0, 1, 2, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in a 3x3 square to make the sums the same in rows, columns, and diagonals, we must use problem-solving skills and an understanding of how numbers combine in a matrix format. One possible solution to this problem places the numbers in the following configuration:

• 2
• 7
• 6

• 9
• 5
• 1

• 4
• 3
• 8

The common sum for each row, column, and diagonal in this arrangement is 15, which corresponds to answer choice A. Thus, the numbers should be placed as shown to achieve the desired outcome.