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This mind-bending brain teaser is ultimate test of your problem-solving abilities. Can you crack it?

A brain teaser on Instagram left users confused as they struggled to solve a puzzle.

Published on: May 5, 2025, 02:31:06 IST
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In an age dominated by scrolling and swiping, brain teasers have carved out their own niche as addictive digital puzzles that keep users thinking. These riddles aren’t just for fun—they tap into our natural curiosity and challenge us to think outside the box. Whether it’s solving a tricky maths problem or cracking a pattern, these teasers are keeping minds sharp and social media buzzing. One such puzzle, shared on Instagram, has left the internet both confused and intrigued.

A brain teaser shared on Instagram puzzled users. (Instagram/reel_serious)
A brain teaser shared on Instagram puzzled users. (Instagram/reel_serious)

(Also read: You're a true brain teaser champ if you manage to count every triangle in this mind-bending puzzle)

The puzzle

The puzzle comes from the Instagram account Reel Serious. It reads:

"A bottle of water and a chocolate bar cost $11.00. Chocolate costs $10 more than water. How much does water cost?"

The question may seem simple at first glance, but it has left the internet thoroughly baffled. Its brilliance lies in the clever twist on basic arithmetic that catches even the sharpest minds off guard.

Take a look here at the puzzle:

Another riddle

This isn’t the first time an online teaser has stumped users. Another puzzle, shared by the account Brainy Quiz on X, also stirred conversation. It read:

"Only Geniuses, if 2 = 6, 3 = 12, 4 = 20, 5 = 30, 6 = 42, Then 9 = ?, Fail: 98%"

Check out the puzzle here:

The post attracted many comments, with users attempting to crack the pattern and figure out the logic behind the numbers. While some managed to spot the connection, others admitted defeat, reinforcing just how tricky these puzzles can be.

Why brain teasers keep us hooked

Brain teasers like these grab attention because they offer more than just a challenge—they’re addictive. They spark curiosity, competitiveness, and the thrill of a “eureka” moment when the answer finally clicks. In the age of fast-scrolling social media, these puzzles break the monotony and engage users in a different kind of interaction.

(Also read: Test your brainpower: You’ll need lightning-fast logic to crack this maths riddle in under 15 seconds)

Whether you're a puzzle enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a quick mental workout, these riddles offer a fun escape. But beware—they’re not always as easy as they look.

So, have you figured it out yet? How much does water cost?

  • 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. 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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