In the following 3×3 grid, the letters p, q, s, and t represent unknown numbers:
The grid must follow these rules:
It is a “Magic Square.” The sum of the numbers in every row, every column, and both main diagonals must be exactly the same.
Determine the values of p, q, s, and t.
Let’s solve this step by step:
Because this is a Magic Square, we first need to find the “Magic Sum”. We can find this by looking for a line (row, column, or diagonal) where we already know all three numbers.
Looking at the grid, the diagonal from top-left to bottom-right is fully known! Magic Sum = 46 + 43 + 40 = 129
Now we know every row, column, and diagonal must equal 129. Let’s use this to unlock the missing variables one by one.
Find s (Middle Row): 41 + 43 + s = 129 84 + s = 129 s = 45
Find p (Bottom Row): p + 47 + 40 = 129 p + 87 = 129 p = 42
Find t (Top Row): 46 + 39 + t = 129 85 + t = 129 t = 44
Therefore, p = 42, q = 39, s = 45, and t = 44. You can verify these values by checking the remaining columns and the other diagonalβthey all sum perfectly to 129!