COMC 2021 C Problem 2

Let m, n \geq 2 be positive integers. Each entry of an m \times n grid contains a real number in the range [-1,1], i.e. between -1 and 1 inclusively. The grid also has the property that the sum of the four entries in every 2 \times 2 subgrid is equal to 0. (A 2 \times 2 subgrid is the intersection of two adjacent rows and two adjacent columns of the original grid.)

Let S be the sum of all of the entries in the grid.

a. Suppose m=6 and n=6. Explain why S=0.

b. Suppose m=3 and n=3. If the elements of the grid are

\begin{array}{|c|c|c|} \hline a & b & c \\ \hline d & e & f \\ \hline g & h & i \\ \hline \end{array}

show that S+e=a+i=c+g.

c. Suppose m=7 and n=7. Determine the maximum possible value of S.