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Brain teaser: If you crack this challenging maths riddle, you'll cement your genius status

A maths brain teaser on X sparked debates and over 300 comments as users shared answers, jokes, and reasoning, showcasing their problem-solving skills.

Published on: Jan 5, 2025, 14:15:12 IST
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Brain teasers aren’t just fun; they’re also an excellent way to challenge your mind. Often combining logic, observation, and maths, these puzzles can test your critical thinking skills in unexpected ways. For many of us, maths in school was seen as challenging, but brain teasers show a different, more exciting side of it. If you're a fan of such mind-boggling puzzles, this brain teaser making waves on social media is a must-try.

A viral brain teaser on X tested users' maths skills, sparking debates and over 300 comments. (X/@brainyquiz_)
A viral brain teaser on X tested users' maths skills, sparking debates and over 300 comments. (X/@brainyquiz_)

(Also read: Only those with exceptional observation skills can spot the hidden animal in this optical illusion)

The maths puzzle

A tricky maths teaser, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named "Brainy Quiz," has sparked widespread discussion. The teaser reads:

"Only Genius: 5x5-5+5÷5"

Accompanying this puzzle are multiple-choice options:

A. 5, B. 25, C. 21, D. 24.

Take a look here at the puzzle:

The challenge lies not just in solving the equation but in applying the correct order of operations.

Netizens debate the solution

This brain teaser has racked up over 4.8k views and more than 300 comments, with users eagerly sharing their answers and reasoning.

One user commented: “The answer must be 21 if you follow BODMAS correctly!” Another responded with: “No way, it’s definitely 25—simple multiplication first!”

The debate didn’t stop there. Another user cheekily added: “I thought I was a genius, but this puzzle made me question my life choices!” Meanwhile, someone joked: “This is the kind of maths I needed in school—fun and confusing!”

(Also read: Only those with keen logic can solve this tricky maths puzzle that’s baffling everyone)

Adding to the mix, a particularly witty user quipped: “5x5 is easy, but the ÷5 threw me off. My brain’s on a holiday!”

Despite the differing answers, most agreed that puzzles like these are a great way to sharpen the mind while having a bit of fun.

Are you up for the challenge?

If you’re looking for a way to stretch your brain, why not give this teaser a try? Remember to apply the BODMAS rule—Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction—to arrive at the correct solution. So, what’s your answer? A, B, C, or D? Join the conversation and see where you stand among the “geniuses” of social media!

  • Mahipal Singh Chouhan
    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. He primarily covers offbeat, trending and human-interest stories, with a focus on emerging social media trends, online conversations and real-world incidents that capture public attention. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal works on identifying and developing fast-moving digital stories, adding context and journalistic perspective to viral moments while maintaining accuracy, clarity and readability for online audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. Beyond journalism, he has a keen interest in history and sports and enjoys expanding his general knowledge.Read More

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