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Brain teaser: Can you solve this simple maths equation that’s stumping the internet?

A maths brain teaser puzzled users with a simple-looking equation, sparking hundreds of comments.

Published on: Jul 18, 2025 02:20 PM IST
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If you’re someone who enjoys giving your brain a workout with puzzles and riddles, a new brain teaser might just be your next challenge. Shared by a Facebook user named Arshdeep Soni, the teaser claims to stump 94% of those who attempt it and it’s easy to see why.

A maths brain teaser confused users online as hundreds debated the correct answer. (Facebook/Arshdeep Soni)
A maths brain teaser confused users online as hundreds debated the correct answer. (Facebook/Arshdeep Soni)

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The puzzle reads:

“Only 6% of people can solve…

6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6, + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6, + 6 + 6 × 0 + 6 = ?”

While it might look straightforward at first glance, many online users were left scratching their heads, debating the correct order of operations and how the multiplication affects the sum.

Check out the puzzle here:

Hundreds of comments, one question

The teaser has gathered more than 200 comments on Facebook, with users sharing their answers and defending their logic. Some argued the solution should be based on the traditional BODMAS, while others went with a left-to-right approach.

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One user confidently wrote, “The answer is clearly 84. People are just ignoring the multiplication.” Another disagreed, saying, “Nope, it’s 90. You’re overthinking it. Just add everything!”

A third chimed in, “It’s a trick question. The ‘× 0’ cancels out just one 6, not the whole equation.” Meanwhile, another comment read, “People really need to go back to school. PEMDAS exists for a reason.”

These teasers continue to gain traction for their ability to both entertain and confuse, all while sparking debates online. Whether you cracked it or are still furiously scribbling on paper, it’s clear that such puzzles aren’t just about numbers — they’re about how we think.

So, what’s your final answer?

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahipal Singh Chouhan

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.

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