Answer :
Final answer:
The correct answer to placing digits 1 through 9 in a 3-by-3 square to form a magic square is option B, as it is the only configuration where the sum of each row, column, and diagonal equals 15. Therefore, the correct answer is B.
Explanation:
The question asks if we can place the digits 1 through 9 into a 3-by-3 square so that the sum of the numbers in each row, column, and diagonal are equal.
This is known as a magic square. Based on the options provided, we can determine the correct configuration by ensuring the sums of each row, column, and diagonal are equal.
Upon examination, option B correctly forms a magic square:
- 6 + 7 + 2 = 15
- 1 + 5 + 9 = 15
- 8 + 3 + 4 = 15
- 6 + 1 + 8 (Vertical) = 15
- 7 + 5 + 3 (Vertical) = 15
- 2 + 9 + 4 (Vertical) = 15
- 6 + 5 + 4 (Diagonal) = 15
- 2 + 5 + 8 (Diagonal) = 15
Therefore, the correct answer is B. 6,7,2; 1,5,9; 8,3,4 form a magic square, where every row, column, and both diagonals add up to the same total, which in this case is 15.
