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    Math problem leaves the internet scratching their heads

    Kelly WhitewoodBy 4 Mins Read

    Even though I dreaded solving equations in crowded classrooms filled with distractions, I’ve surprisingly developed an appreciation for tackling math puzzles online. The best part is that there’s no pressure or time limit—I can take as long as I need. Over time, solving internet riddles and brain teasers has become a fun and rewarding challenge.

    And I’m certainly not alone. Plenty of people enjoy putting their problem-solving skills to the test, taking pride in recognizing patterns and cracking difficult math challenges.

    With that in mind, we thought it would be fun to challenge our readers with a brain-teasing puzzle that has already left countless people across the internet searching for the correct answer.

    So, are you ready to put your mind to work? It’s time to test your mathematical thinking and see if you can solve this week’s tricky challenge. Let’s get started!

    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.

    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

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    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!

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