INTRODUCTION

Mathematics has still a lot of things to offer especially in the 21 st century.

Discoveries, research, investigations, and observations are continuously emerging in
order to explore ways for the improvement of human life. Moreover, this mathematical
investigation focuses on observing how odd numbers behave in a particular setting like
numbers on a matrix. In addition, this investigation also wants to know if such patterns
exist, what formula can be derived for finding any n th term and how to find the sum of
numbers within the diagonals of an odd n by n matrix using a formula that will be derived
on this investigation. For further explanation of what the topic is all about, a short
example is shown below.
There are a lot of possible topics that the researchers want to investigate but they
come up with a topic related on how the Number Spiral Diagonals behave. By definition,
a number spiral diagonal is made when you take a number 1 and increase that number as
you move to the right and below like in clockwise behavior. This forms a spiral (How to
solve "number spiral diagonals" problem, 2021).
7 8 9
6 1 2
5 4 3
The picture shows how the numbers behave in number spiral diagonals. In the
illustration, it depicts a 3 by 3 matrix where 1 is the center and 3,5,7 and 9 are the edges
of the diagonals having a sum of 25. If this continues to increase into a 5 by 5 matrix, the
resulting matrix will be as follows:
21 22 23 24 25
20 7 8 9 10
19 6 1 2 11
18 5 4 3 12
17 16 15 14 13
On the upper right part of the diagonal, it shows a sequence 1,9, and 25. Also on
the lower right part has a sequence of 1,3,13. In the upper and lower left part of the
diagonal, sequences 1,7, 21 and 1, 5, 17 appears. So, the sum of the diagonals is 101. As
it increases to 7 by 7 matrix, the resulting matrix will be as follows:

43 44 45 46 47 48 49
42 21 22 23 24 25 26
41 20 7 8 9 10 27
40 19 6 1 2 11 28
39 18 5 4 3 12 29
38 17 16 15 14 13 30
37 36 35 34 33 32 31

1
 On the upper right part of the diagonal, it shows a sequence 1,9,25, and 49. Also
on the lower right part has a sequence of 1,3,13, and 31. In the upper and lower left part
of the diagonal, sequences 1,7, 21, 43 and 1, 5, 17, 37 appears. The sum of its diagonals
is 261. As they continue increasing the number spirals in 9 by 9 matrix, we will be having
the resulting matrix as follows:
73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81
72 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
71 42 21 22 23 24 25 26 51
70 41 20 7 8 9 10 27 52
69 40 19 6 1 2 11 28 53
68 39 18 5 4 3 12 29 54
67 38 17 16 15 14 13 30 55
66 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 56
65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58 57
By continuing, it will have a sequence for all the corresponding diagonals on each
side and the sum of the diagonals of this matrix is 537. Then let an, bn, cn, and dn be denoted
for each of the sequences (excluding 1) of the diagonals thus it will have the following
table,
an 9,25,49,81…..

bn 3,13,31,57……

cn 5,17, 37,65……

dn 7,21, 43,73……

Also, the table for the sum of the odd n by n matrix is also presented in the
following table.
Dimensions Sum of the Diagonals
3 by 3 25
5 by 5 101
7 by 7 261
9 by 9 537

THEORY
The researchers find the nth term of each sequence of the diagonals using this
method as follows:

2
For an:

9 25 49 81

16 24 32

8 8

Using the formula an 2+bn+ c then we have the following:

If n=1 then a+ b+c=9 Eq.1
If n=2 then 4 a+2 b+ c=25 Eq.2
If n=3 then 9 a+ 3 b+c=49 Eq. 3
By solving it through elimination, solve equation 1 and 2 first.
a+ b+c=9
4 a+2 b+ c=25

= (-1)(a+ b+c ¿=(9)(−1)

4 a+2 b+ c=25

= −a−b−c=−9
4 a+2 b+ c=25
3 a+ b=16 Eq.4
Then by solving equation 2 and 3,
4 a+2 b+ c=25
9 a+ 3 b+c=49

= (−1)(4 a+2 b+c )=(25)(−1)

9 a+ 3 b+c=49

3
 = −4 a−2b−c =−25
9 a+ 3 b+c=49
5 a+b=24 Eq. 5
Solving Equation 4 and 5,
= 3 a+ b=16
5 a+b=24

=(−1)(3 a+b)=(16)(−1)
5 a+b=24

=−3 a−b=−16
5 a+b=24
2 a=8
a=4
By substituting it to Eq. 4, we have:
a=4
3( 4)+b=16
12+b=16
b=16−12
b=4
By substituting the value of a and b in Eq. 1, we have:

a+ b+c=9
4 + 4+c=9
c=1

4
 2
Therefore a n=4 n +4 n+1 .

By following the same technique from above, the nth term for bn, cn, and dn will be as
follows:
2
b n=4 n +2 n+1
2
c n=4 n +1
2
d n=4 n −2 n+1

If added up all the terms including 1, they will have a formula for finding the sum of its
diagonals by the properties of summation:
n
Sn=1+ ∑ (16 i¿¿ 2+ 4 i+ 4)¿
k=1

By simplifying it, we will be having a formula of

2
3+2 n(8 n + 15 n+13)
Sn=
3
Where n=1 denotes a 3 by 3 matrix, if n=2 a 5 by 5 matrix, and so on.
To verify, if n=1 then,

3+2(1)(8(1)2 +15(1)+ 13)

S 1=
3
¿ 25
If n=2 then,
2
3+2(2)(8(2) +15(2)+13)
S2 =
3
¿ 101
If n=3 then,

3+2(3)(8 (3)2+15 (3)+13)

S3=
3
¿ 261
If n=4 then,
2
3+2(4 )(8(4) + 15(4 )+13)
S4 =
3
¿ 537

5
Thus, it matches the sum of the odd n by n matrix such that the starting point is counting
numbers.

ANALYSIS
What if the numbers on the spiral diagonals start with odd numbers? What would
be the nth term of each of the sequence of the diagonals? What will be the sum of the
diagonals of an odd n by n matrix if consecutive odd numbers will be used to fill the
matrix?

6
Here the researchers started to investigate what will happen if the conditions were to
follow. They start on a 3 by 3 matrix.
13 15 17
11 1 3
9 7 5
The sequence of the diagonals will be 1 and 17, 1 and 5, 1 and 9, and 1 and 13.
The sum of the diagonals is 45.
If the matrix increases and becomes 5 by 5 then the matrix will become,
41 43 45 47 49
39 13 15 17 19
37 11 1 3 21
35 9 7 5 23
33 31 29 27 25

The sequence of the diagonals will be 1,17 and 49, 1,5 and 25, 1,9 and 33, and 1,13, and
41.
The sum of the diagonals is 193.

If the matrix continues increasing in a 7 by 7 matrix, then the matrix will become,
85 87 89 91 93 95 97
83 41 43 45 47 49 51
81 39 13 15 17 19 53
79 37 11 1 3 21 55
77 35 9 7 5 23 57
75 33 31 29 27 25 59
73 71 69 67 65 63 61
The sequence of the diagonals will be 1,17,49 and 97, 1,5 ,25 and 61, 1,9,33 and 73, and
1,13,41, and 85.
The sum of the diagonals is 509.
If the matrix increases again and becomes 9 by 9 then the matrix will become,

7
 145 147 149 151 153 155 157 159 161
143 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99
141 83 41 43 45 47 49 51 101
139 81 39 13 15 17 19 53 103
137 79 37 11 1 3 21 55 105
135 77 35 9 7 5 23 57 107
133 75 33 31 29 27 25 59 109
131 73 71 69 67 65 63 61 111
129 127 125 123 121 119 117 115 113

The sequence of the diagonals will be 1,5 ,25,61 and 113, 1,17,49,97 and 161, 1,9,33,73
and 129, and 1,13,41, 85 and 145.
The sum of the diagonals will be 1,057.
By continuing, it will have a sequence for all the corresponding diagonals on each
side Then let an, bn, cn, and dn be denoted for each of the sequences (excluding 1) of the
diagonals thus it will have the following table,
an 17,49,97,161……

bn 5,25,61,113….

cn 9,33,73,129……

dn 13,41, 85,145……

Also, the table for the sum of the odd n by n matrix is also presented in the
following table.

Dimensions Sum of the Diagonals

3 by 3 45
5 by 5 193
7 by 7 509
9 by 9 1,057

To find the nth term of the diagonal an, the researchers made the same method.
For bn:

8
 17 49 97 161

32 48 64

Using the formula an +bn+ c then we

2
16 16
have the following:
If n=1 then a+ b+c=17 Eq.1
If n=2 then 4 a+2 b+ c=49 Eq.2
If n=3 then 9 a+ 3 b+c=97 Eq. 3
By solving it through elimination, solve equation 1 and 2 first.
a+ b+c=17
4 a+2 b+ c=49

= (-1)(a+ b+c ¿=(17)(−1)

4 a+2 b+ c=49

= −a−b−c=−17
4 a+2 b+ c=49
3 a+ b=32 Eq.4
Then by solving equation 2 and 3,
4 a+2 b+ c=49
9 a+ 3 b+c=97

= (−1)(4 a+2 b+c )=(49)(−1)

9 a+ 3 b+c=97

9
 = −4 a−2b−c =−49
9 a+ 3 b+c=97
5 a+b=48 Eq. 5
Solving Equation 4 and 5,
= 3 a+ b=32
5 a+b=48

=(−1)(3 a+b)=(32)(−1)
5 a+b=48

=−3 a−b=−32
5 a+b=48
2 a=16
a=8
By substituting it to Eq. 4, we have:
a=8
3( 8)+b=32
24+ b=32
b=32−24
b=8

By substituting the value of a and b in Eq. 1, we have:

a+ b+c=5
8+ 8+c=17
c=1

Therefore a n=8 n2 +8 n+1 .

10
 To find the nth term of the first diagonal bn, the researchers find a pattern to
formulate the nth term by the following steps:

5 25 61 113

20 36 52

16 16
Using the formula an 2+bn+ c then we have the following:
If n=1 then a+ b+c=5 Eq.1
If n=2 then 4 a+2 b+ c=25 Eq.2
If n=3 then 9 a+ 3 b+c=61 Eq. 3
By solving it through elimination, solve equation 1 and 2 first.
a+ b+c=5
4 a+2 b+ c=25

= (-1)(a+ b+c ¿=(5)(−1)

4 a+2 b+ c=25

= −a−b−c=−5
4 a+2 b+ c=25
3 a+ b=20 Eq.4
Then by solving equation 2 and 3,
4 a+2 b+ c=25
9 a+ 3 b+c=61

= (−1)(4 a+2 b+c )=(25)(−1)

11
 9 a+ 3 b+c=61

= −4 a−2b−c =−25
9 a+ 3 b+c=61
5 a+b=36 Eq. 5
Solving Equation 4 and 5,
= 3 a+ b=20
5 a+b=36

=(−1)(3 a+b)=(20)(−1)
5 a+b=36

=−3 a−b=−20
5 a+b=36
2 a=16
a=8
By substituting it to Eq. 4, we have:
a=8
3(8)+b=20
24+ b=20
b=20−24
b=−4
By substituting the value of a and b in Eq. 1, we have:

a+ b+c=5
8−4 +c=5
c=1

Therefore b n=8 n2−4 n+1 .

12
 To find the nth term of the diagonal cn, the researchers made the same method:
For cn:
9 33 73 129

24 40 56

16 16

Using the formula an 2+bn+ c then we have the following:

If n=1 then a+ b+c=9 Eq.1
If n=2 then 4 a+2 b+ c=33 Eq.2
If n=3 then 9 a+ 3 b+c=73 Eq. 3
By solving it through elimination, solve equation 1 and 2 first.
a+ b+c=9
4 a+2 b+ c=33

= (-1)(a+ b+c ¿=(9)(−1)

4 a+2 b+ c=33

= −a−b−c=−9
4 a+2 b+ c=33
3 a+ b=24 Eq.4
Then by solving equation 2 and 3,
4 a+2 b+ c=33
9 a+ 3 b+c=73

= (−1)(4 a+2 b+c )=(33)(−1)

13
 9 a+ 3 b+c=73

= −4 a−2b−c =−33
9 a+ 3 b+c=73
5 a+b=40 Eq. 5
Solving Equation 4 and 5,
= 3 a+ b=24
5 a+b=40

=(−1)(3 a+b)=(24)(−1)
5 a+b=40

=−3 a−b=−24
5 a+b=40
2 a=16
a=8
By substituting it to Eq. 4, we have:
a=8
3( 8)+b=24
24+ b=24
b=24−24
b=0

By substituting the value of a and b in Eq. 1, we have:

a+ b+c=9
8+ 0+c=9
c=1

14
 2
Therefore c n=8 n + 1.

To find the nth term of the diagonal dn, the researchers made the same method:
For dn:
13 41 85 145

28 44 60

16 16

Using the formula an 2+bn+ c then we have the following:

If n=1 then a+ b+c=13 Eq.1
If n=2 then 4 a+2 b+ c=41 Eq.2
If n=3 then 9 a+ 3 b+c=85 Eq. 3
By solving it through elimination, solve equation 1 and 2 first.
a+ b+c=13
4 a+2 b+ c=41

= (-1)(a+ b+c ¿=(13)(−1)

4 a+2 b+ c=41

= −a−b−c=−13
4 a+2 b+ c=41
3 a+ b=28 Eq.4
Then by solving equation 2 and 3,

15
 4 a+2 b+ c=41
9 a+ 3 b+c=85

= (−1)(4 a+2 b+c )=(41)(−1)

9 a+ 3 b+c=85

= −4 a−2b−c =−41
9 a+ 3 b+c=85
5 a+b=44 Eq. 5
Solving Equation 4 and 5,
= 3 a+ b=28
5 a+b=44

=(−1)(3 a+b)=(28)(−1)
5 a+b=44

=−3 a−b=−28
5 a+b=44
2 a=16
a=8
By substituting it to Eq. 4, we have:
a=8
3(8)+b=28
24+ b=28
b=28−24
b=4

By substituting the value of a and b in Eq. 1, we have:

16
 a+ b+c=13
8+ 4+ c=13
c=1

Therefore d n=8 n2 +4 n+1.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Now, the researchers had concluded the nth term for each of the following
diagonals.
2
a n=8 n +8 n+1

17
 2
b n=8 n −4 n+1
2
c n=8 n + 1

d n=8 n2 +4 n+1

If added up all the terms including 1, they will have a formula for finding the sum of its
diagonals by the properties of summation:
n
Sn=1+ ∑ (32 i¿ ¿2+ 8i+ 4)¿
k=1

By the properties of summation, they have simplified the formula as follows.

n n n
Sn=1+[∑ 32i 2 + ∑ 8 i+ ∑ 4 ]
k=1 k=1 k=1

Sn=1+ ¿

n(n+1)(2 n+1) n(n+1)

Sn=1+[32( )+ 8( )+4 n]
6 2
By simplifying algebraically, the researchers derived the formula as

32 n3 +60 n2 +40 n
Sn=1+
3
where n ≥ 1.
To verify if the formula is valid, the researchers tested the validity of the formula where
if a 3 by 3 matrix (denoting n=1) the sum of the diagonals will have the same result
within the table below.
Dimensions Sum of the Diagonals
3 by 3 (n=1) 45
5 by 5 (n=2) 193
7 by 7 (n=3) 509
9 by 9 (n=4) 1,057

If n=1,
3 2
32 n +60 n +40 n
Sn=1+
3
3 2
32(1) +60 (1) + 40(1)
S1=1+
3

18
 S1=45

If n=2,
3 2
32 n +60 n +40 n
Sn=1+
3
3 2
32(2) + 60(2) + 40(2)
S2=1+
3
S2=193

If n=3,
3 2
32 n +60 n +40 n
Sn=1+
3
3 2
32(3) +60(3) +40( 3)
S3=1+
3
S3=509

If n=4,
3 2
32 n +60 n +40 n
Sn=1+
3
3 2
32(4) +60(4) +40 (4)
S4 =1+
3
S4 =1,057

CONCLUSIONS
The researchers had concluded the nth term for each of the following diagonals
and are stated as follows:
2
a n=8 n +8 n+1

19
 2
b n=8 n −4 n+1
2
c n=8 n + 1

d n=8 n2 +4 n+1

(Note: Labeling the diagonals in any order in finding the nth term cannot affect the
derivation of the formula for finding the sum of the diagonals of an odd n by n matrix
with consecutive odd numbers as starting point.)
From patterns, the researchers had also formulated a formula for the sum of
Number Spiral Diagonals of an odd n by n matrix with consecutive odd numbers as
starting point by adding the nth term of each of the diagonals and using the idea of
summation, the researchers had derived the formula which is,

32 n3 +60 n2 +40 n
Sn=1+
3
where n ≥ 1.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The researchers had investigated and shown that consecutive odd numbers
formulate patterns on how they behave in Number Spiral Diagonals and thus results in
finding the nth term and adding them up had determined the formula in finding the sum of
an odd n by n matrix with consecutive odd numbers as starting point.

20
 In addition, the researchers recommend the future researchers to extend the area
of investigation within the following factors:
 To find the sum of the diagonals of an m by n matrix where m ≠ n.
 To use even numbers in as starting point.
 To relate it in real life applications.
 Develop strategies in finding the nth term of the diagonals using inductive
skills.

REFERENCES

Calculus I - summation notation. (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2022, from

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calci/summationnotation.aspx

21
How to solve "number spiral diagonals" problem. (2021). Retrieved from educative:
https://www.educative.io/edpresso/how-to-solve-the-number-spiral-diagonals-
problem

Systems of three equations: Solving by addition and subtraction. (n.d.).

SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/math/algebra2/systemsofthreeequations/
section1/

YouTube. (2016, April 28). Finite differences to determine the degree of a sequence.
YouTube. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-
FTybrevIwo

YouTube. (2018, March 8). Summation formulas and sigma notation - calculus.
YouTube. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=XJkIaw2e1Pw

APPENDICES

TITLE PROPOSAL

22
 EVALUATION OF PROPOSED TITLE

ASSIGNING AN ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO THE TITLE

23
INTRODUCING THE MATHEMATICAL INVESTIGATION

DISCUSSION PROPER VIA MS TEAMS

24
PRESENTATION OF MATHEMATICAL INVESTIGATION

25
 CURRICULUM VITAE OF THE AUTHORS

CLARENCE T. ANCHETA

26
Sitio Proper, San Aurelio 1st, Balungao, Pangasinan
Cell Number: 09675314579
e-mail address: clarencejoyancheta@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
BIRTHDAY: April 21, 2001
BIRTHPLACE: Balungao, Pangasinan
AGE: 21
NATIONALITY: Filipino
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
CIVIL STATUS: Single
FATHER’S NAME: Randy C. Ancheta
MOTHER’S NAME Eva T. Ancheta

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PRIMARY: SAN AURELIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

San Aurelio, Balungao, Pangasinan
2012-2013
SECONDARY: SAN AURELIO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
San Aurelio, Balungao, Pangasinan
2018-2019

MIKE JHUN D. BIBAT

Zone 1-A, San Rafael West, San Nicolas Pangasinan

27
Cell Number: 09274539028
e-mail address: mikejhunbibat@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
BIRTHDAY: February 13, 2001
BIRTHPLACE: San Nicolas Pangasinan
AGE: 21
NATIONALITY: Filipino
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
CIVIL STATUS: Single
FATHER’S NAME: Abraham L. Bibat Jr.
MOTHER’S NAME Marissa D. Bibat

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PRIMARY: SAN RAFAEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

San Rafael Centro, San Nicolas Pangasinan
2012-2013
SECONDARY: SAN RAFAEL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
San Rafael Centro, San Nicolas Pangasinan
2018-2019

JAIME M. CABATBAT
Purok 2, Brgy. Agno, Tayug Pangasinan
28
Cell Number: 09070261888
e-mail address: cabatbatjaime@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
BIRTHDAY: August 6, 1964
BIRTHPLACE: Umingan, Pangasinan
AGE: 58
NATIONALITY: Filipino
RELIGION: Apostolic Christian
CIVIL STATUS: Married
FATHER’S NAME: Demetrio B. Cabatbat
MOTHER’S NAME Juanita M. Cabatbat

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PRIMARY: BANTUG, A.N.P PILOT SCHOOL

Bantug, Umingan Pangasinan
1982-1983
SECONDARY: QUEZON MEMORIAL ACADEMY
Umingan, Pangasinan
1986-1987

PRNCESS DIANE L. MONTOYA

Brgy. Casanicolasan, Rosales, Pangasinan

29
Cell Number: 09458413723
e-mail address: princessdianemontoya@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
BIRTHDAY: November 27, 2000
BIRTHPLACE: Casanicolasan, Rosales, Pangasinan
AGE: 22
NATIONALITY: Filipino
RELIGION: Christian Born Again
CIVIL STATUS: Single
FATHER’S NAME: Alfredo G. Montoya
MOTHER’S NAME Marites L. Montoya

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PRIMARY: CASANICOLASAN, ROSALES ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL
Casanicolasan, Rosales Pangasinan
2012-2013
SECONDARY: ROSALES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Don Antonio Village, Rosales Pangasinan
2018-2019

LORENO T. SABINAY
Sitio Tramo, Siblot, San Nicolas Pangasinan
Cell Number: 09453764663

30
e-mail address: lorenosabinay12@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
BIRTHDAY: October 30, 1999
BIRTHPLACE: San Nicolas Pangasinan
AGE: 22
NATIONALITY: Filipino
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
CIVIL STATUS: Single
FATHER’S NAME: Victor G. Sabinay
MOTHER’S NAME Emma T. Sabinay

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PRIMARY: EAST CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

N Patricio Poblacion East, San Nicolas, Pangasinan
2011-2012
SECONDARY: RED ARROW HIGH SCHOOL
Magsaysay St., San Nicolas Pangasinan
2017-2018

JULIE MAE O. TAMAYO

Sitio Parbo, San Rafael East, San Nicolas Pangasinan
Cell Number: 09092220219

31
e-mail address: tamayojuliemae@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
BIRTHDAY: June 16, 2000
BIRTHPLACE: San Nicolas Pangasinan
AGE: 22
NATIONALITY: Filipino
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
CIVIL STATUS: Single
FATHER’S NAME: Jaime P. Tamayo Jr.
MOTHER’S NAME Evaliza O. Tamayo

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PRIMARY: SAN RAFAEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

San Rafael Centro, San Nicolas Pangasinan
2012-2013
SECONDARY: SAN RAFAEL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
San Rafael Centro, San Nicolas Pangasinan
2018-2019

32