Are You Smart Enough to Solve This Math Trick?

There are two common ways to solve this classic logic puzzle, which lead to two different answers depending on how you interpret the pattern. However, one is generally considered more mathematically robust.

Method 1: The Multiplication Pattern (Answer: 96)

This method uncovers a hidden formula applied to each line: $a + (a \times b)$.

• 1 + (1 × 4) = 5

• 2 + (2 × 5) = 12

• 3 + (3 × 6) = 21

• 8 + (8 × 11) = 96

Method 2: The Running Total Pattern (Answer: 40 or 96)

This method involves adding the result of the previous equation to the numbers in the current equation.

• 0 + 1 + 4 = 5

• 5 + 2 + 5 = 12

• 12 + 3 + 6 = 21

If you strictly take the answer from the previous line on the image and add it to the final line, you get:

• 21 + 8 + 11 = 40

The Catch: Notice that the sequence of the first numbers (1, 2, 3…) skips straight to 8. If you fill in the missing lines of the sequence to maintain the running total logic, you arrive back at 96:

• 12 + 3 + 6 = 21

• 21 + 4 + 7 = 32

• 32 + 5 + 8 = 45

• 45 + 6 + 9 = 60

• 60 + 7 + 10 = 77

• 77 + 8 + 11 = 96

Because both logical patterns point to 96 when the skipped steps are accounted for, it is the most consistent and accurate answer.