2020 AMC 10A Problem 7
The integers from to inclusive, can be arranged to form a -by- square in which the sum of the numbers in each row, the sum of the numbers in each column, and the sum of the numbers along each of the main diagonals are all the same. What is the value of this common sum?
Show solution without answering
Key insight
The five rows together use every number exactly once. So five times the row sum equals the total of all 25 numbers, which is 50. The row sum is 10.
Solution
You do not need to build the square. Just use the rows.
1. The rows share out all numbers, each number landing in exactly one row. So
2. Find that total. Pair each negative number with its positive match: with , with , down to with . Each pair adds to , and adds nothing.
3. What is left over is .
4. So , and the row sum is .
The answer is .
Why this works
If every row has the same sum and the rows use up all the numbers, then the row sum must be the grand total divided by the number of rows. This trick works for any magic square, of any size, without ever filling it in. Canceling with is a quick way to add a list that runs across zero.
Concise solution
A shorter write-up, the way contest solutions are usually written. It may take a different route from the solution above.
The five rows use each of the integers exactly once, so five times the common row sum equals the total of all the integers.
Pair with , with , and so on down to with : these cancel along with . What remains is
Hence the common sum is .
The answer is .
Review in the AoPS books
- Introduction to Algebra, Chapter 21: Sequences & Series (§21.1, §21.2, §21.3, §21.4)
- Intermediate Counting & Probability, Chapter 2: Sets and Logic (§2.2, §2.3)
- Introduction to Algebra, Chapter 22: Special Manipulations (§22.3)
- Intermediate Algebra, Chapter 17: More Sequences and Series (§17.1, §17.2)
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Problem © Mathematical Association of America (MAA), American Mathematics Competitions. Reproduced for non-commercial educational use. Solution and commentary are original to this site.