You'll need out-of-the-box thinking to solve this maths brain teaser. Can you crack it?
A challenging maths brain teaser shared on Facebook left many users puzzled.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about cracking a good brain teaser — that moment when everything suddenly clicks into place. But when it comes to maths brain teasers, the thrill hits differently. With numbers, logic, and hidden patterns at play, these puzzles not only entertain but also give your brain a serious workout. One such maths teaser has recently gone viral on Facebook, leaving puzzle lovers scratching their heads and second-guessing their answers.

(Also read: This mind-bending brain teaser is ultimate test of your problem-solving abilities. Can you crack it?)
The post, shared by the Facebook account Minion Quotes, features a 3×3 grid with a simple instruction at the top: "Fill in the missing number." But as many are discovering, it’s not quite as straightforward as it appears.
The puzzle
Here’s how the grid looks:
Top row: 4, 8, 12
Middle row: 5, 10, [empty]
Bottom row: 6, [empty], 18
Check out the riddle here:
At first glance, the numbers may seem random, but there’s clearly a pattern — or at least there must be. That's the beauty of maths brain teasers: they challenge your logical thinking, demand your focus, and often hide a clever trick just beneath the surface.
Many users have tried their hand at the puzzle, offering a wide range of answers. Some believe the solution lies in horizontal sequences, while others are convinced the key is in the vertical columns. And then there are those who think diagonals might hold the secret.
No official answer has been provided with the puzzle, which only adds to the fun — and the frustration.
(Also read: You're a true brain teaser champ if you manage to count every triangle in this mind-bending puzzle)
Why maths brain teasers are everyone’s favourite
There’s something uniquely satisfying about solving a maths-based riddle. Whether it’s a simple arithmetic sequence or a complex logic pattern, these puzzles force us to think outside the box.
So if you’ve got a few spare minutes today, give this one a go. Who knows? You might just be the one to solve the puzzle that’s stumped the internet.
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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