The seemingly-simple question asks people to complete an equation – but it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
Are you a self-proclaimed maths genius? Then prepare to be stumped by this perplexing maths puzzle that’s causing quite a stir on social media.
It’s widely acknowledged that keeping your brain active can boost cognitive function, sharpen memory, and enhance concentration and focus. Some experts even suggest that regular mental exercise could postpone the onset of dementia symptoms.
Brainteasers are as varied as they are challenging, and the latest conundrum is so tricky that people are at loggerheads over the correct solution. Although it demands some out-of-the-box thinking, tackling such puzzles can hone your brain’s ability to zero in on a task, bolstering your memory and overall cognitive prowess in the process.
READ MORE… ‘Simple’ maths problem only those with a high IQ can solve – and it’s baffling
This particular brainteaser is tripping up both the numerically challenged and those who pride themselves on their arithmetic skills. The question appears straightforward: complete a given equation. However, appearances can be deceiving.
The teaser has left many scratching their heads, with a split emerging between two potential solutions. Do you have what it takes to crack it? The maths teaser, which went viral after being posted on Instagram’s Threads, challenges you to “Divide 40 by 12 and add 15. What did you get?”With over 394,000 people having viewed the challenge, it’s become a bona fide brain-bender.
At first glance, would you attempt to solve this conundrum by dividing 40 by 2, 20, or 0.5?
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If you attempt to solve the problem by trying to divide 40 by ½, or 0.5 – this comes to 80, plus 15 equals 95. Or, do you read it as you’re supposed to be dividing 40 by its half, 20, which is two, plus 15 equals 17? And last but not least, people also believed it was asking to divide 40 in half, equalling 20, plus 15 comes to 35.
The confounding problem seemed to leave a large number stumped, with many lamenting that the question was too poorly written to deduce the correct answer. That said, there were plenty who felt confident they’d cracked the code.
One individual retorted: “I see how the question can get y’all to think 35, it almost got me. But, to divide a fraction, remember you need to flip into the reciprocal. Once you have your reciprocal, the order of operations changes to multiplication. 40 divided by 1/2 =80 + 15 = 95. This is slightly easier to remember than dividing by .5!”
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Yet another countered: “First thought: 40/20=2+15=17, Second thought: 40/2=20+15=35, Third thought: 40/.5=80+15=95. All answers are correct just depends on how u think.”
Meanwhile, some seemed to think the solution was crystal clear. One person declared: “It’s not a poorly written question, it’s a poorly READ question.”
So, what conclusion did you arrive at? Let us know in the comments below.
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