Test your brainpower: Only those with advanced problem-solving skills can crack this tricky maths puzzle
A tricky maths puzzle shared on X went viral as users tried to crack the missing number.
Maths brain teasers have long been a favourite pastime for those who enjoy a good challenge. With the rise of social media platforms, these puzzles have found a new home, captivating audiences from all walks of life. From solving equations to identifying patterns, these puzzles test our logical thinking and problem-solving skills in the most entertaining ways. The thrill of cracking a tricky riddle has made these brain teasers go viral, sparking lively debates and interactions online. If you're one of those who love flexing your brainpower, we’ve got a new puzzle for you that might just leave you scratching your head!

(Also read: You'll need out-of-the-box thinking to solve this maths brain teaser. Can you crack it?)
The puzzle
The tricky maths puzzle, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by the account Brainy Quiz, features a grid of numbers, with a missing value in the bottom right corner. The challenge is simple but tricky: can you spot the pattern and calculate the missing number?
Here's what the grid looks like:
First row: 6, 5, 12
Second row: 12, 15, 36
Third row: 36, 60, 144
Fourth row: 144, 300, ? (the missing value)
Your task is to figure out what number should replace the “?” at the bottom right corner.
Check out the puzzle here:
How to solve it
Maths puzzles like these often rely on identifying patterns in the numbers. The first step is to look at the rows and columns, trying to find a consistent relationship between the numbers. Are there mathematical operations like multiplication or division happening between them? Or perhaps a more complex formula linking each value?
If you think you’ve cracked the code, don’t rush to a conclusion just yet. Maths puzzles sometimes hide their patterns in plain sight, so make sure you test your theory thoroughly before finalising your answer.
(Also read: Put your observation skills to test: Can you spot the hidden cat in this tricky optical illusion?)
The internet’s love for maths challenges
It's clear that the internet has developed a deep affection for maths brain teasers. They’ve become a popular way to test logic and reasoning skills, with many social media users jumping at the chance to show off their problem-solving abilities. Platforms like X have seen a surge in these types of puzzles, with users sharing solutions, debating theories, and engaging in friendly competition to solve the most complex riddles.
So, can you crack this tricky riddle?
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal 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.Read More

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