October Math Mania is short, but difficult

The October Math Mania puzzles are few in number, but they will take some figuring to get the right answers.

After eight kids got all the answers correct in September, Ms. Math Mania, Ms. Amy Ruzicka, decided to give you some more elaborate puzzles. But, like in September, the October puzzles call for planning and trying different approaches.

Be sure to study the answer to the sample to figure out the different aspects of the puzzles. And remember, the diagonal numbers have to add up right just like the vertical and horizontal columns do.

Ms. Ruzicka is a math teacher at St. Gabriel's Catholic School in South St. Louis.

She's come up with a wide variety of math puzzles for the 2007-08 Math Mania school year. And one good thing about these puzzles, you don't have to submit them for grading.

The rules for Math Mania will be the same again this year. Each month, YSL.com publishes a number of math brainteasers. We also publish an entry form that can be printed out and the answers filled in.

If you answer all the math puzzles correctly, you'll have a chance to win a Borders book certificate. Depending on the number of correct entries, YSL.com will give from three to four $10 certificates.

To enter the October contest, fill out the attached entry form and give answers to the two puzzles. Be sure to follow the instructions when completing the entry form.

In the November edition of YSL.com, we'll publish the answers to these October puzzles and name any winners.

1. Print out the following entry form.
2. Fill out your name, address and telephone number.
3. Answer the two October questions.
4. Put your completed entry into a stamped, addressed envelope.
5. Be sure to print the entry form so we can be sure of the spelling.
6. Mail the entry to:

Arrange the numbers 1 - 16 (one number to a cell) such that each row, column, and main diagonal produces different sums. Those sums should be able to be arranged to form a consecutive series of numbers. For example, if one sum is 6, then the others will be 7, 8, 9, 10, and so on.

Notice how the sums are the consecutive numbers from 29 to 38. Now find your own solutions. One correct solution will be considered a winner. Find two solutions and double your chances of winning a gift certificate to Borders!

Solution 1:

Solution 2: