For many of us, mathematics in school was more a source of stress than excitement. However, the growing popularity of brain teasers with a mathematical twist is turning that notion on its head. These clever puzzles blend logic, numbers, and a touch of misdirection, transforming maths into something enjoyable, intriguing, and even addictive.
A brain teaser shared on X puzzled users. (X/@9Laura_M)
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed numbers nerd or someone who vowed never to revisit algebra, there’s something undeniably compelling about a challenge designed to outwit the average mind. In the age of rapid scrolling and fleeting attention spans, a good brain teaser offers a perfect moment of mental engagement—short, sharp, and satisfying.
The puzzle
A brain teaser recently shared by a user named Laura Michelle has left the internet both amused and confused. The challenge is to solve a deceptively simple-looking equation using nothing but your brain:
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“Without a calculator, just your brain, solve this: 60 + 20 + 6 - 10 × 0 = ?”
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“Without a calculator, just your brain, solve this: 60 + 20 + 6 - 10 × 0 = ?”
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Check out the brain teaser here:
Another puzzle
This isn’t the first time a maths-based puzzle has baffled social media users. An earlier post by X (formerly Twitter) user @BholanathDutta went viral for its unconventional set of equations:
Unlike the typical arithmetic problems, this teaser relies on pattern recognition rather than mathematical accuracy. It’s not about the right answer in a traditional sense—it’s about spotting the underlying logic, or perhaps even inventing one, which has kept users debating, guessing, and theorising.
What makes these brain teasers so enduringly popular is their ability to challenge us in unexpected and engaging ways. They disrupt routine thinking, test our mental agility, and often lead to moments of surprise, satisfaction, and even a bit of self-reflection when we realise how easily we can be tricked by simple logic.
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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Home/Trending/No calculator allowed: Can you solve this tricky maths brain teaser that stumped the internet?
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