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Here is a simple magic square, the three columns, three rows, and two diagonals adding up 72:
+------+------+------+ | | | | | 27 | 20 | 25 | | | | | +------+------+------+ | | | | | 22 | 24 | 26 | | | | | +------+------+------+ | | | | | 23 | 28 | 21 | | | | | +------+------+------+
The puzzle is to convert it into a multiplying magic square, in which the numbers in all the eight lines if multiplied together give the same product in every case. You are not allowed to change, or add to, any of the figures in a cell or use any arithmetical sign whatever! But you may shift the two figures within a cell. Thus, you may write 27 as 72, if you like. These simple conditions make the puzzle absurdly easy, if you once hit on the idea; if you miss it, it will appear to be an utter impossibility.
Clarification: shift (verb): Move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.
Puzzle made by: Henry Dudeney.
