The Magix square of squares as a symbol of harmony and balance

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A magical mathematical concept known as the "Magic Square of Squares" or "Magix square of squares" is quite intriguing for mathematicians and puzzle enthusiasts. This unique arrangement involves filling a square grid with various numbers, where each cell represents a perfect square and the sum of the numbers in each row, column, and diagonal is the same. Magix square of squares was first discovered by Leonhard Euler in the 18th century. Several varieties of this concept exist, each with its own set of rules and variations. One of the most famous is the 4×4 Magix square, which is the smallest possible square grid. To construct the 4×4 Magix square, one must fill the grid with sixteen different perfect squares ranging from 1 to 256 (or even higher numbers).


Why does this matter? Because it is identifying a pair of perfect squares for a given difference. And if you have two of these pairs in the right configuration, you have an arithmetic progression of three perfect squares. (We know that an arithmetic progression of four perfect squares is impossible.) And if we have three of these progressions (red, blue, and green) in the right configuration, we will have a 3x3 magic square of squares!

0, 3, 8, 5, 15, 12, 7, 24, 21, 16, 9, 35, 32, 27, 20, 11, 48, 45, 40, 33, 24, 13, 63, 60, 55, 48, 39, 28, 15, 80, 77, 72, 65, 56, 45, 32, 17, 99, 96, 91, 84, 75, 64, 51, 36, 19, 120, 117, 112, 105, 96, 85, 72, 57, 40, 21, 143, 140, 135, 128, 119, 108, 95, 80, 63, 44, 23, 168, 165, 160, 153, 144, 133, 120, 105, 88, 69, 48, 25, 195, 192, 187, 180, 171, 160, 147, 132, 115, 96, 75, 52, 27, 224, 221, 216, 209, 200, 189, 176, 161, 144, 125, 104, 81, 56, 29, 255, 252, 247, 240, 231, 220, 207, 192, 175, 156, 135, 112, 87, 60, 31, 288, 285, 280, 273, 264, 253, 240, 225, 208, 189, 168, 145, 120, 93, 64, 33, 323, 320, 315, 308, 299, 288, 275, 260, 243, 224, 203, 180, 155, 128, 99, 68, 35, 360, 357, 352, 345, 336, 325, 312, 297, 280, 261, 240, 217, 192, 165, 136, 105, 72, 37, 399, 396, 391, 384, 375, 364, 351, 336, 319, 300, 279, 256, 231, 204, 175, 144, 111, 76, 39,. We have illustrated how any two arithmetic progressions of three perfect squares with the same distance can create a 3x3 magic square with at least six perfect squares.

Magix square of squares

To construct the 4×4 Magix square, one must fill the grid with sixteen different perfect squares ranging from 1 to 256 (or even higher numbers). The challenge lies in arranging these numbers in a way that fulfills the following conditions: 1. Each number should be placed in a different cell of the grid.

magic square

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External Websites
  • Rutgers University - Department of Mathematics - Magic Squares
  • Wolfram MathWorld - Magic Square
  • John Carroll University - Magic Squares
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While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

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External Websites
  • Rutgers University - Department of Mathematics - Magic Squares
  • Wolfram MathWorld - Magic Square
  • John Carroll University - Magic Squares
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 21, 2023 • Article History Table of Contents magic square Category: Arts & Culture Related Topics: puzzle sator square charm arithmetical magic square square matrix . (Show more)

magic square, square matrix often divided into cells, filled with numbers or letters in particular arrangements that were once thought to have special, magical properties. Originally used as religious symbols, they later became protective charms or tools for divination; and finally, when the original meanings were lost, people considered them mere curiosities or puzzles—except for some Western mathematicians who continue to study them as problems in number theory.

The most familiar lettered square in the Western world is the well-known SATOR square, composed of the words SATOR, AREPO, TENET, OPERA, and ROTAS. Arranged both vertically and horizontally, the meaningless phrase reads through the centre TENET, thus forming the two arms of a hidden cross. Examples of this square from the 1st century ad were found in the ruins of Pompeii, and it was still employed during the 19th century in Europe and the United States for fancied protection against fire, sickness, and other disasters.

Otherwise, numbered squares have always been far more significant, particularly in China (where they may have originated), the Arab world, and India.

In the arithmetical magic squares, the numbers are generally placed in separate cells and arranged so that each column, every row, and the two main diagonals can produce the same sum, called the constant. A standard magic square of any given number contains the sequence of natural numbers from 1 to the square of that number. Thus, the magic square of 3 contains the numbers 1 to 9. If these nine numbers are simply listed in three rows or three columns, they form the natural square of 3. A natural square has no “magical” properties, but one is often made as a first step in constructing a proper magic square. When these nine numbers in the 3 × 3 frame are rearranged so that they can produce a constant sum of 15, they constitute the magic square of 3.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.

Property 6: Excel Function =SUM(F1:F4)+SUM(G1:G4)+SUM(H1:H4)+SUM(I1:I4)
Magix square of squares

2. The sum of each row, column, and diagonal should be the same. Solving this puzzle involves strategic placement of numbers, aiming to create a balanced and equal sum. Although Euler's original 4×4 Magix square remains unsolved, the concept has expanded to larger square grids, such as 5×5, 6×6, and even 8×8. The beauty of the Magix square of squares lies in its blend of mathematics, logic, and creativity. It challenges individuals to think critically, use problem-solving techniques, and explore the properties of perfect squares. Moreover, constructing and solving Magix squares can be an enjoyable and stimulating activity for both young and old alike. As mathematicians continue to delve into the mysteries of Magix square of squares, new strategies and techniques are being developed to tackle larger grids and higher numbers. The fascination with this concept persists, as it showcases the elegant nature of mathematics and the boundless possibilities of human imagination..

Reviews for "Discovering the spiritual significance of the Magix square of squares"

1. Mark - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Magix square of squares." The game had a promising concept, but the execution was lacking. The controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to play. The levels were also poorly designed, with unclear objectives and confusing layouts. Overall, I found the game to be more frustrating than enjoyable, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 3 stars
While "Magix square of squares" had some potential, it fell short in several areas. The graphics were mediocre at best, with pixelated images and bland visuals. The gameplay was also repetitive and lacked variation, making it boring after a short period of time. Additionally, the sound effects were repetitive and irritating, adding to the overall lackluster experience. Overall, "Magix square of squares" didn't live up to my expectations and I won't be playing it again.
3. Alex - 2 stars
I found "Magix square of squares" to be extremely difficult and frustrating. The game lacked clear instructions and guidance, leaving me confused about what I was supposed to do. The difficulty level was also disproportionately high, making it nearly impossible to progress past the first few levels. The lack of checkpoints or save points further added to the frustration, as I had to start from the beginning every time I failed. I ended up giving up on the game out of sheer frustration and wouldn't recommend it to others unless they enjoy extreme challenges.
4. Sarah - 1 star
I absolutely despised "Magix square of squares." The game was boring, repetitive, and unoriginal. There was nothing unique or captivating about it. The controls were clunky and difficult to use, making it a frustrating experience from the start. The levels lacked creativity and were uninspiring, leading me to quickly lose interest. Overall, I found "Magix square of squares" to be a waste of time and would advise others to steer clear of it.

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