Understand Magic Squares with Positive and Negative Numbers

Magic Squares

 

 

Magic squares have rows, columns and diagonals of numbers adding to the same total.

Can you fill in the missing numbers in the following magic square?

 

−4	−7	A
B	−5	C
−6	D	−6

 

Hint:

Look at the diagonal from top left to bottom right. 

The total of these numbers is -15, which will also be the total of all other rows, columns and diagonal.

 

Let's work through these together:

A = −4

-7 + -4 = -11

-11 + -4 = -15

 

D = −3

-6 + -6 = -12

-15 - -12 = -3

C = −5

We have already worked out that A = -4.

-6 + -4 = -10

-15 - -10 = -5
 

B = −5

We have already worked out that C = -5.

-5 + -5 = -10

-15 - -15 = -5

 

Now, it's over to you!