April 7–April 13, 2009

Problem

The figure below is known as a magic star if the numbers 1–16 are assigned to the locations a–p in such a way that (1) each number is used exactly once and (2) the numbers along each of the 8 lines have the same sum S.

8-pointed magic star

What are all the possible values for the sum S?

Solution

here

List of solvers

Trey Sakazaki (middle school); Koopa Koo (graduate); Justin Shih, Lloyd Sakazaki (outside).

Dustin Moody and Gary Raymond had partially correct solutions.

Trey Sakazaki wins the prize!