Happy Birthday Doc!

1/13/2016

Hey Doc,

First I need you to determine what your mathematological luck number is.  Please print this page and follow the directions below.

In the square below choose one of the numbers and circle it.  Then cross out every number above it, below it, to the left of it or to the right of it.

From the numbers that are not circled or crossed out choose another number and circle it.  Then cross out every number above it, below it, to the left of it, or to the right of it.

5	9	13	15	26
8	12	16	18	29
13	17	21	23	34
18	22	26	28	39
28	32	36	39	49

From the numbers that are not circled or crossed out choose another number and circle it.  Then cross out every number above it, below it, to the left of it, or to the right of it.

From the numbers that are not circled or crossed out choose another number and circle it.  Then cross out every number above it, below it, to the left of it, or to the right of it.

Now you should have only one number that is not circled or crossed out.  If you have more than one number to choose from – please start over (reprint the page).  If you have just one number left, go ahead and circle that number.  Now add up the five numbers you circled.  That is your Mathematological Lucky Number for today.

Then I can use that number (which is 115 – right? – just checking) to calculate your Magic Birthday Square.

Since your mathematological lucky number is 115 your Magic Birthday Square has to have a magic square constant of 115. Each row, each column and both diagonal have to add up to 115.  And there are some other, more complex patterns I have to incorporate too.

Give me a minute.

Or maybe a couple of minutes or may five minutes.

OK.

Hear is your Magic Birthday Square.

Check to make sure that every row, every column, and both diagonals add up to 115.  (Never mind – I already checked it.)

1	13	19	82
20	81	2	12
80	17	15	3
14	4	79	18

Now check to see if the four corners add up to 115.

And check to see if the middle four numbers add up to 115.

And check to see if the date in the top row is actually your birthday.

If that date is wrong then you’re the wrong Doc – sorry to bother you.

David