Math Multiple Choice
In the incomplete table above, the sum of the three integers in each row, column, and diagonal is the same. If the numerical values in four of the blocks are as shown, what is the value of w ?
- (A) -6
- (B) -5
- (C) 2 CORRECT ANSWER
- (D) 5
- (E) 8
Explanation:
Since the sum of the integers in each row, column, and diagonal is the same, it follows that w - 2 + a = 3 + a - 3. Thus w - 2 = 0 so that w = 2. The answer to this problem is (C).
(from the October 17, 1998 test)