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10ticks Press Area     Back to Press Area Magic Squares. Over this publication's history it has dealt with Magic Squares from virtually every angle possible so I don't expect to reveal any deep, dark secrets here. The worksheet Make a Magic Square derives from a mention in the Year 7 Framework and deserves a two page spread from the diversification of the mathematics it derives. It is one of those worksheets that after writing I couldn't wait to get into a classroom to teach. It was then used with Years 7, 8 and 9! The mathematics involved brings in substitution; addition/subtraction involving whole numbers, negative numbers and decimals; innate forming and solving equations; problem solving and inequalities. By the end of the worksheet pupils have a good knowledge of the workings of a Magic Square. Using a phrase from previous editions of MiS the sheet differentiates by fallout. The more able complete the sheet, whilst some may only partially complete the sheet. The first page is purely a substitution exercise, building on previous knowledge of negative and decimal numbers. For Questions 16 - 21 I get the class to solve them mentally first, but then to return and write down the equation they formed in solving the problem. Encouraging them to find more than just one equation for solving the same letter makes them think about all the terms used, rather than returning to the same term for each question. This is an important algebraic step and fairly easy in this context. Finding a is obvious, and thus the other equations stem from this. The rest of the questions concern the make up of a magic square. How can we set up an inequality to create only positive numbers? (Does this work for negative numbers?). Why is the Magic Number 3a? There's plenty of scope to extend the sheet into more complex areas! Ian Fisher This article is about 10ticks worksheets Level 5 Pack 5 Page 20 and Level 5 Pack 5 Page 21. Maths in Schools. March 2002. Vol 31 No 2.     Corporate Information     Awards Corporate Social Responsibility Contact Information Who's Who Link to us     Press Releases     October 2005 - 10ticks wins Innovators E-commerce award April 2005 - Warwick BCME Conference September 2004 - More Awards Success for 10ticks August 2004 - North West Business Awards July 2004 - 10ticks Football Kits for Bolton Junior Schools June 2004 - 10ticks raises mathematics teaching standards October 2003 - Sage Business Awards 2003 June 2003 - 10ticks Shortlisted For Award June 2003 - Reception with the Mayor January 2003 - 10ticks VAT Press Releases January 2003 - Bolton Evening News 10ticks VAT January 2003 - Manchester Evening News 10ticks VAT June 2002 - 10ticks Makes E-Commerce Finals November 2001 - 10ticks Double Award September 2001 - 10ticks Shortlist For Award     Maths In Schools Articles     November 2005 Vol 34 No 5 September 2005 Vol 34 No 4 March 2005 Vol 34 No 2 January 2005 Vol 34 No 1 November 2004 Vol 33 No 5 September 2004 Vol 33 No 4 May 2004 Vol 33 No 3 January 2004 Vol 33 No 1 September 2003 Vol 32 No 4 May 2003 Vol 32 No 3 March 2003 Vol 32 No 2 May 2002 Vol 31 No 3 March 2002 Vol 31 No 2 September 2002 Vol 31 No 4 May 2001 Vol 30 No 3 November 2001 Vol 30 No 5 September 2001 Vol 30 No 4     Newsletters     Parent Newsletters: December 2008 September 2007 July 2007 November 2006 June 2006 May 2006 March 2006 December 2005 September 2004 June 2004 September 2003 March 2003 January 2003 December 2002 Student Newsletters: December 2008 October 2007 November 2006 December 2004 September 2003 March 2003 January 2003 December 2002

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