+---+ +---+ +---+
| | X | | X | | = 54
+---+ +---+ +---+
X X X
+---+ +---+ +---+
| | X | | X | | = 120
+---+ +---+ +---+
X X X
+---+ +---+ +---+
| | X | | X | | = 56
+---+ +---+ +---+
= = =
96 180 21
Use each of the digits from 1 to 9 exactly once to satisfy this cross product puzzle.
How fast can you come up with the solution using only p&p (no calculator)?
Extra Challenge: Can you come up with the solution in your mind (without using p&p)?
I couldn't to it in my head, but it is easy enough to do on paper. Took 2 to 3 minutes.
Let the squares be
abc
def
ghi
i = 7, as only row 3 and column 3 are divisible by 7.
e = 5, as only row 2 and column 2 are divisible by 5.
b = 9, as only row 1 and column 2 are divisible by 9.
Then h = 4, so that 9*5*4 = 180
Then g = 2, so that 2*4*7 = 56
Then a, c, and f cannot be 8, so d = 8.
The rest falls into place.
Final correct solution:
691
853
247
Edited on April 26, 2023, 9:45 am