1. Why is this a magic square?
LO To investigate magic squares
RAG
Key words: Expression, Term, Substitute
11-Apr-1911-Apr-19
Think Pair Share
Why is this a magic square?

2. Task A
Are these magic squares? Explain how you know.

3. Task One These magic squares are the same
Task One These magic squares are the same. Can you find the value of x, a and b?
Print slides 2-4 two to a page, make sure that all pupils have the full range of tasks, they should choose a task that will challenge them.

4. Task Two How would you change the expressions in these squares to make the magic number 30? The value of x, a and b must stay the same as were in task One .
Complete this box using the values for x, a, and b that you worked out in task two
x =
a =
b =

5. Task Three Changing the values of x, a and b create your own magic square with a different magic number. Write the magic square using algebraic expressions first and then using numbers. How can you be sure that your magic square will work?

6. What did your group do????????
Ask pupils to share what they did with the rest of the class. How did they change the expressions to make the total 30? How did they create their own magic square?

7. Plenary
How can you use the expressions in each box to prove that this is a magic square?
Class discussion.