Blog

Geek Challenge: Matrix Mind-Boggler

Geek Challenge: Matrix Mind-Boggler

Special thanks to Han Yang for providing this month’s Geek Challenge.

A 4x4 matrix of numbers can be devised such that when any 4 cells are chosen where none of the chosen cells share a row or column with another chosen cell, the sum of the chosen cells is 25.  Below is an example of such a matrix with a chosen set of cells highlighted in yellow. The sum of the yellow cells is 25.

Here is the same matrix, with a different set of cells, where the chosen cells also add up to 25.

For this matrix, any set of 4 cells which do not share a row or column with each other will add up to 25.

This month’s Geek Challenge is to create a similar matrix where the sum of cells from 4 distinct rows and columns equals 26. There are many possible solutions. The winner of this month’s Geek Challenge will provide a correctly designed matrix, and best describe the algorithm for creating such a matrix. Hint:  Don’t just repeat the same number over and over. These solutions are uninteresting.

Submit your responses to geekchallenge@dmcinfo.com.

Learn more about DMC's company culture.

Comments

Anonymous User
# Anonymous User
Geek Challenge Results: Matrix Mind-Boggler

Post a comment

Name (required)

Email (required)

CAPTCHA image
Enter the code shown above: