In a magic NxN square, numbers from 1 to Nē are set so the numbers in each row, column, or major diagonal, have the same sum: the "magic constant".

What is the value of this constant, as a function of N?

(In reply to Spoiler by Steve Herman)

To properly specify a function, its domain of definition needs to be given. There are no 2x2 magic squares, so "as a function of N" the magic constant is undefined for N=2. Since N=1 is trivial, usually N is restricted to be 3 or greater.  It is known that there is a magic square (of the standard type that is the subject of this problem) for all N > 2.  At any rate, 2 needs to be excluded from the domain of this function. 

Posted by Richard on 2005-02-23 15:50:47