Magic star

An n-pointed magic star is a star polygon with Schläfli symbol {n/2} in which numbers are placed at each of the n vertices and n intersections, such that the four numbers on each line sum to the same magic constant.[1] A normal magic star contains the consecutive integers 1 to 2n. No numbers are ever repeated.[2] The magic constant of an n-pointed normal magic star is M = 4n + 2.

No star polygons with fewer than 5 points exist, and the construction of a normal 5-pointed magic star turns out to be impossible. It can be proven that there exists no 4-pointed star that will satisfy the conditions here. The smallest examples of normal magic stars are therefore 6-pointed. Some examples are given below. Notice that for specific values of n, the n-pointed magic stars are also known as magic hexagram etc.

Magic hexagram
M = 26		 Magic heptagram
M = 30		 Magic octagram
M = 34

See also

References

  1. ↑ Staszkow, Ronald (2003-05-01). Math Skills: Arithmetic with Introductory Algebra and Geometry. Kendall Hunt. ISBN 9780787292966.
  2. ↑ "Magic Stars Index Page". www.magic-squares.net. Retrieved 2017-01-14.


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