My teacher gave us a puzzle.
I have worked on it for 2 hours with both my parents and they can not figure it out.
0 o 0
o 0 o
0 o 0
In the above there are 5 squares. Top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right, and the last one formed by the o's diagaonally.
Arrange numbers 1 to 9 so that the sum is 20 in each square. We can get 4 of them done. But nothing more.
To solve this puzzle, you need to arrange the numbers 1 to 9 in the given grid such that the sum of the numbers in each square is 20. You mentioned that you have already achieved this for four of the squares. Let's go through the process of solving this puzzle step by step:
1. Start by labeling the squares and their corresponding positions in the grid for ease of reference:
a b c
d e f
g h i
2. You mentioned that you have already completed four of the squares, so let's assume you have completed squares a, b, c, and g. For example:
a: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 21 (remove one number to make it 20)
b: 7 + 8 + 9 = 24 (remove four numbers to make it 20)
c: 20 (already completed)
g: 20 (already completed)
3. Now, let's focus on completing the remaining squares: d, e, f, and h. We need to arrange the remaining numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9) to make the sum 20 in each of these squares.
4. One approach to solving this is to systematically fill the squares, considering the restrictions imposed by the numbers already used in the completed squares. You could start with square d, as there are fewer options to consider.
5. Try different combinations of numbers in square d until you find a combination that sums up to 20. For example, you could try:
d: 1 + 9 + 3 + 7 = 20
6. Next, move on to filling square e. However, you need to be careful with the placement of numbers to ensure they fit the diagonal square as well. Again, try different combinations until you find one that works. For example:
e: 4 + 2 + 6 + 8 = 20 (also fits the diagonal square)
7. Once squares d and e are completed, move on to square f. This square is somewhat dependent on the numbers chosen for squares d and e, as the diagonal square has already been defined. Continue trying combinations until you find one that adds up to 20. For example:
f: 3 + 4 + 7 + 6 = 20
8. Finally, fill square h using the remaining numbers. As before, try different combinations until you find one that adds up to 20. For example:
h: 1 + 9 + 2 + 8 = 20
9. Once you have completed all the squares (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h), double-check that the sum of the numbers in each square is indeed 20.
By following this step-by-step process, you should be able to solve the puzzle and arrange the numbers 1 to 9 so that the sum is 20 in each square. Good luck!