Grid Sum Puzzle

Grid Sum – Level 1 – Hard

Each row and column must add up to the totals shown – but all the values are algebra expressions. Work out the value of x, then fill in the grid using each expression once.

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Available Expressions (use each exactly once):
  1. (x + 2)(x - 1)
  2. (x + 3)² - 4
  3. x² + 3x + 2
  4. (2x + 1)(x - 2)
  5. x² - x + 7
  6. (x + 1)² + x
  7. (x - 2)(x + 4)
  8. 3x + (x + 2)²
  9. (x - 3)² + 2x

Example Grid:
101 132 103
119
x² - x + 7
97
(x + 1)² + x
120
(x - 2)(x + 4)

Your Workings For Grid Sum

Enter your working out in this box:

Then insert your suggested answers in the grid below:

101
132
103
119
x² - x + 7
97
(x + 1)² + x
120
(x - 2)(x + 4)

Reveal the Answer

Additional instructions for Grid Sum (Level 1, Hard)

Grid Sum – Hard

Break the grid into sections. Work on one cluster of rows/columns until they stabilise before moving elsewhere.

  • Track remaining totals precisely.
  • Use elimination to rule out impossible values.
  • Check consistency across all intersecting lines.

Tip: if progress stalls, revisit the most constrained area of the grid.

Full help: Grid Sum

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