Spotlight

Math problem leaves the internet scratching their heads

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be thankful that the last time you had to work out a vexing math sum or tackle an algebraic problem was way back in high…
Math problem leaves the internet scratching their heads
Send to

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be thankful that the last time you had to work out a vexing math sum or tackle an algebraic problem was way back in high school.

I’m well aware that some people are wired to enjoy math, just as certain others (myself included) are wired to loath it. I like to think of myself as more of a creative soul than a logically-thinking one. But hey, everyone’s different.

That said, while I certainly had no love for tackling math in stuffy classrooms packed full of disobedient kids, I have taken something of an unlikely pleasure in solving online problems when and where I find them. It’s all done in my own sweet time of course (and absolutely not in any sort of hurry), but the process of working my way through internet riddles and puzzles is something I’m now quite taken with…

… and I know I’m not the only one. No, it appears there are a whole host of folks out there who pride themselves on being able to spot patterns and work out challenging math problems.

It’s to that end that we decided to put the minds of our beloved readers to the test, with a bran-teasing issue that’s left plenty of people across the internet scratching their heads.

So, got your thinking cap on? Ready for this week’s exercise in mathematical gymnastics? I certainly hope so… because here it comes:

If 1+4=5, 2+5=12, and , then what is the value of 5+8?

Perhaps it’s easier if you see it written out as follows:

1+4=5
2+5=12
3+6=21
5+8=?

It appears that this particular problem has left a large portion of the internet scratching their heads, and a lot of people split on what the correct answer actually is. Much of it depends on how you approach the exercise of course; what exact method you employ to try and help you find the right answer.

Recommended Article Selma Blair Offers Positive Health Update Amid 7-Year MS Battle: ‘Truly Relapse-Free’

And the crux of it all? There’s more than one correct answer! In fact, there are quite a few if our research is anything to go by. If you’ve had a go at the problem yourself and want to see if you’ve got it right (or if, like me, you were ultimately left so frustrated that you simply have to be given the answer) see below for five different ways the problem can be tackled.

Solution one
1 + 4 = 5
2 + 5 = 2 + 2(5) = 12
3 + 6 = 3 + 3(6) = 21
5 + 8 = 5 + 5(8) = 45
ALGORITHM: A + A(B) = C
ANSWER = 45

Solution two
1 + 4 = 1 + 4 + (0) = 5
2 + 5 = 2 + 5 + (5) = 12
3 + 6 = 3 + 6 + (12) = 21
5 + 8 = 5 + 8 + (21) = 34
ALGORITHM: A + B + C’ = C, where C’ is the previous answer
ANSWER = 34

Solution Three
1 + 4 = 5 = 5
2 + 5 = (5 + 2) + (5) = 12
3 + 6 = (7 + 2) + (12) = 21
5 + 8 = (9 + 2) + (21) = 32
ALGORITHM: for {X=5, C = X + C’ , X = X+2 };, where C’ is the previous answer. A and B not used in equation,
ANSWER = 32

Solution Four
1 + 4 = 5
2 + 5 = 7 (base 5) =12
3 + 6 = 9 (base 4) = 21
5 + 8 = 13 (base 3) = 111
ALGORITHM: for {X=6, C = (A + B)^(10 -> X), X -1} (First answer in Base6, then Base 5, then 4, etc…)
ANSWER = 111

Solution Five
1 + 4 = 5
2 + 5 = 7 (base 5) =12
3 + 6 = 9 (base 4) = 21
4 + 7 = 11 (base 3) = 102
5 + 8 = 13 (base 2) (aka binary) = 1101
ALGORITHM: for {X=6, C = (A + B)^(10 -> X), X -1} (First answer in Base6, then
Base 5, then 4, etc…including “missing” numbers
ANSWER = 1101

What answer did you get? Was it any of the above? Do let us know in the comments section on Facebook!

Have you read them?

People disturbed after realising what yellow stuff in your eyes when you wake up actually is

Wiz Khalifa Seems to Reveal He Thinks Earth Is Flat ‘Because I’ve Traveled So Much’: ‘Not Possible to Go Up and Down’

A third-grade teacher was having a tough time with a boy in her class

I Chew Cloves And Say Goodbye to 10 Years of Diabetes.. I’ll Give You The Recipe

News Feed

27.04.2025 17:46 Celebrities

Selma Blair Offers Positive Health Update Amid 7-Year MS Battle: ‘Truly Relapse-Free’

27.04.2025 17:43 Celebrities

Demi Moore Says Her Foundation with Bruce Willis ‘Has Never Wavered’ Even After Their Divorce

27.04.2025 17:31 Stories

Woman opens up about love, laughs & life with her micro penis man

27.04.2025 17:28 Spotlight

Test: Only a person with a high IQ can find the 15 differences

27.04.2025 17:25 Health

7 Kinds of Pain That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

27.04.2025 17:16 Health

People disturbed after realising what yellow stuff in your eyes when you wake up actually is

27.04.2025 17:13 Celebrities

Wiz Khalifa Seems to Reveal He Thinks Earth Is Flat ‘Because I’ve Traveled So Much’: ‘Not Possible to Go Up and Down’

27.04.2025 17:10 Joke

A third-grade teacher was having a tough time with a boy in her class

27.04.2025 17:05 Tips & Tricks

I Chew Cloves And Say Goodbye to 10 Years of Diabetes.. I’ll Give You The Recipe

26.04.2025 14:44 Stories

Airlines asked to make changes after passenger’s photo goes viral.

26.04.2025 14:41 Celebrities

Jesse Plemons Once Played Late Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Son Before Taking on His Hunger Games Character for Upcoming Prequel

26.04.2025 14:38 Celebrities

Brooke Shields Breaks Down in Tears After Husband Chris Henchy Surprises Daughter for Her Birthday

26.04.2025 14:35 Spotlight

Only Geniuses Can Solve This Math Puzzle in 10 Seconds

26.04.2025 14:32 World

Stephen Hawking’s Doomsday Warning is Coming Faster Than We Thought

26.04.2025 14:27 World

The Last Words And Heartfelt Gesture Pope Francis Made In His Final Moments

26.04.2025 14:24 Items

Do You Remember This Classic Toy? If You Do, You’ve Lived Through A Time Of Simple Yet Magical Fun! Discover The Fascinating History Behind Its Creation

26.04.2025 14:19 Spotlight

Pirate Game – Spot the Differences

26.04.2025 14:14 Tips & Tricks

Just one spoon and you’ll run to the bathroom

26.04.2025 14:10 Stories

Man who saw ‘proof’ that ‘death is not the end’ explains the seven levels of afterlife

26.04.2025 14:03 Tips & Tricks

Absolutely do not bathe at these 4 times

26.04.2025 13:55 Spotlight

Only highly intelligent people can find the mistake in the man and dog picture in 6 seconds!

26.04.2025 13:49 World

Prince William Joins World Leaders at Pope Francis’ Funeral

26.04.2025 13:45 Stories

NFL Draft Pick Derrick Harmon’s Mom Dies Shortly After His Selection by the Steelers

26.04.2025 13:39 World

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral, with Melania in Black Veil

25.04.2025 23:24 Celebrities

Justin Bieber Posts Emotional Plea, Says Paparazzi Attention ‘Has to Stop’

25.04.2025 23:20 Celebrities

She Received Meghan Markle’s As Ever Box — and Sent Something Back: ‘One Lifestyle Homemaker to Another’

25.04.2025 23:17 News

Gilbert Arenas’ Son Alijah Out of Coma but Remains Intubated After Cybertruck Car Crash

25.04.2025 23:13 Celebrities

Hailey Bieber Sends On-Stage Message to Justin Bieber Amid Ongoing Health Speculation and Paparazzi Battle

25.04.2025 23:00 Stories

My husband abandoned me and our child in his crumbling, outdated shack. Little did he know, beneath that dilapidated house lay a secret room filled with gold — a treasure that had been hidden for years.

25.04.2025 22:56 Celebrities

Fox News’ Fox News’ Peter Doocy and wife Hillary welcome second baby after 30-hour labor on a very special day and wife Hillary welcome second baby after 30-hour labor on a very special day

Exit mobile version