This tricky math puzzle is a true test of your problem-solving skills. Can you solve it?
A brain teaser shared on X had users stumped, challenging them to solve a tricky math pattern.
Brain teasers are an excellent way to keep your mind sharp and engage your problem-solving skills. Ranging from simple to complex, these puzzles offer a fun yet challenging way to give your brain a workout. Math-based brain teasers, in particular, can often leave us scratching our heads and thinking twice about simple equations. If you're a fan of such puzzles, we've got a new challenge for you.

(Also read: Visual perception test: Count all the faces in this image to claim title of king of optical puzzles)
The puzzle
A recent brain teaser shared by the account Brainy Quiz on X (formerly Twitter) has been making waves across social media. The puzzle presents a pattern in a series of equations, with one missing value for you to solve. It reads:
“Math Test: 9 = 90, 8 = 72, 7 = 56, 6 = 42, 3 = ?”
Check out the puzzle here:
It might seem easy at first glance, but as with most brain teasers, it demands careful thought and observation. Can you figure out the pattern behind these numbers and fill in the blank?
Another puzzle
This isn't the first time brain teasers have gone viral on the internet. Earlier, a puzzle shared by @jitendra789789 on X had the online community stumped. The puzzle presented a series of equations that defied the usual rules of mathematics:
“2 + 4 = 8, 5 + 6 = 3, 9 + 5 = 9, 7 + 4 = ?”
The mind-bending nature of these puzzles sparked a flurry of guesses, but the solution still remains elusive to many.
(Also read: Brain teaser: Only those with exceptional attention to detail can count all the fingers in this tricky image)
Why the internet loves brain teasers
Brain teasers are not just a form of entertainment; they provide mental stimulation and encourage creative thinking. They allow people to think outside the box, and their viral nature can spark friendly competition as users race to solve the puzzle first. Social media platforms, especially X, have become hotspots for puzzle lovers to share and discuss their favourite teasers, adding to the fun and mystery.
So, are you ready to crack the code and solve the latest brain teaser? The answer could be just around the corner, but you’ll need to think critically and explore all possible patterns.
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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