math magic squares

Magic squares have been a fascinating topic in mathematics for centuries. They are formed by filling in all the squares with the numbers starting from one so that the sum of all row, columns, and diagonals is the same.

If you know how to play, you can use the square below. Otherwise, read the instructions and fill in the form at the bottom to begin a new game.

Numbers to use: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Numbers you have used: -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

In this game, you must fill in the magic squares. In the easy level, you are given the numbers beginning from one and must create a magic square. The medium difficulty level is similar, but instead of getting each row, column, and diagonal to add to the same value, each one has a different value which is given to you. In the hard level, you are given random numbers, some positive and some negative, and you must place them in the square to get the sums given to you.

To start playing, you first select whether you want a 3 by 3 square, 4 by 4 square, or 5 by 5 square. As the square gets bigger, the puzzle becomes more difficult. Next, you select the difficulty level you wish to play.

Once you have selected these options, you will be given a list of numbers which you must use in your square. You must use exactly these numbers, or otherwise your puzzle will not be correct, even if the numbers add to the proper sums.

Below this list of numbers is the square which you are to fill in. The blue regions are the parts you fill in. Then, the silver regions are the sums of the rows, columns, and diagonals. The sums of the rows are to the right of the row, the sums of the columns are below, and the sums of the diagonals are in the upper- and lower-right corner of the square.

Put a few numbers into the square, then click on "Check my values" to see what the sums are. The sum of the numbers you have entered will appear first in the silver boxes and will be followed by a number in parentheses, which is the number you want those to add up to. When you have all the numbers in the yellow squares matching the numbers in parentheses and you have used the correct list of numbers from above, you win! When you think you have the right numbers, click "Check my values" again and it will tell you if you are correct.

If you get a little stumped along the way, you can get a hint. It will fill in a number in the square, and that should help you get a little closer to solving the puzzle. You can get as many hints as you need, but you should try to solve the puzzle yourself. If you are completely stumped, you can simply ask to display the correct solution, and then try to play the game again.

Enjoy the game, and good luck!

How large would you like the magic square to be on each side?		3 4 5
What level of difficulty do you wish to play?
Easy You are given a square that has n boxes on each side. You must use the numbers 1 through n² to make all rows, columns, and diagonals add up to the number given to you. Every row, column, and diagonal adds up to the same number.	Medium You are given a square that has n boxes on each side. You must use the numbers 1 through n² to make all rows, columns, and diagonals add up to the number given to you. The rows, columns, and diagonals do not necessarily add up to the same number.	Hard You are given a square that has n boxes on each side. You are given random numbers between -n² and n² to make all rows, colthumns, and diagonals add up to the number given to you. The rows, columns, and diagonals do not necessarily add up to the same number.