description Magic Square Overview
A magic square is an arrangement of distinct integers in a square grid where every row, column, and main diagonal sum to the same constant, with the earliest known example appearing in Chinese literature as the Lo Shu around 650 BCE.
help Magic Square FAQ
What is the magic constant of a 3 by 3 magic square?
Using the integers 1 through 9, every row, column, and main diagonal sums to 15. The general constant for a normal n by n magic square is n(n² + 1) divided by 2.
Why is the Lo Shu square important?
The Lo Shu is the famous Chinese 3 by 3 arrangement whose lines each total 15. It is traditionally connected with a turtle emerging from the Luo River and is one of the earliest known magic-square traditions.
Can a 2 by 2 normal magic square be made?
No normal 2 by 2 magic square exists using each of the integers 1 through 4 exactly once. Normal magic squares exist for every order of 3 or greater.
How many distinct 3 by 3 normal magic squares are there?
There is one essential 3 by 3 normal magic square. Rotating and reflecting it produces eight arrangements, all with 5 in the center.
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