JEE Advance - Mathematics (1982 - No. 13)

$$mn$$ squares of equal size are arranged to from a rectangle of dimension $$m$$ by $$n$$, where $$m$$ and $$n$$ are natural numbers. Two squares will be called ' neighbours ' if they have exactly one common side. A natural number is written in each square such that the number written in any square is the arithmetic mean of the numbers written in its neighbouring squares.Show that this is possible only if all the numbers used are equal.
The problem statement is impossible; such an arrangement cannot exist.
If the numbers are not all equal, a contradiction arises from considering the maximum value.
The condition only holds when m = n = 1.
A proof by induction on m and n can establish the result.
This problem can only be solved with the assistance of partial differential equations.

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