Everyone loves a good math puzzle. They challenge our minds, offer a playful exploration of complex problems and are incredibly satisfying when we find the solution. But what happens when a math puzzle goes viral and challenges – and confuses – millions of users? And what does this all have to do with fake news? Let’s dive into this unexpected connection.
The math puzzle that is currently confusing Facebook users
Imagine a simple, seemingly harmless math puzzle:
1+4 = 5
2+5 = 12
3+6 = 21
8+11 = ?
This math puzzle recently gained a lot of attention on Facebook, attracting nearly 3 million comments. But why? And most importantly: What is the “right” answer?

The hidden rule in mathematics – puzzles
The challenge of this math puzzle is to find a hidden rule that explains the seemingly illogical results users give!

There are two common interpretations:
Interpretation 1: Multiply the first number by the second and add the first number. According to this rule the answer is 96.
So:
- For 1+4 = 5: (1 * 4) + 1 = 5
- For 2+5 = 12: (2 * 5) + 2 = 12
- For 3+6 = 21: (3 * 6) + 3 = 21
- Then for 8+11: (8 * 11) + 8 = 96
Interpretation 2: Square the first number and add the second. According to this rule the answer is 75.
So:
- For 1+4: (1^2) + 4 = 1 + 4 = 5
- For 2+5: (2^2) + 5 = 4 + 5 = 9
- For 3+6: (3^2) + 6 = 9 + 6 = 15
- And then for 8+11: (8^2) + 11 = 64 + 11 = 75
So what is the “right” answer?
Well, it's complicated. In math puzzles like this, the correct answer often depends on the puzzle creator's intended rule, and we don't know that here! This is typical of such puzzles, which can often have multiple plausible solutions depending on how one interprets the information given. In many cases, the goal of such math puzzles is not necessarily to find a single "right" answer, but rather to think about different possibilities and encourage creative problem solving.
Why so many people answer differently
The fact that so many people give different answers to this math puzzle is a fascinating demonstration of human behavior. Some people might misunderstand the puzzle or answer too quickly. Others may be fooled by the apparent simplicity of the puzzle or fall into groupthink and follow the majority even when it is wrong.
The surprising connection to fake news
These mechanisms that explain people's behavior towards viral math puzzles may also help to understand the phenomenon of fake news. Misunderstandings, quick answers, deception through simplicity and groupthink can lead to people sharing and spreading fake news without checking its veracity.
Similarities between the spread of viral math puzzles and fake news
1. Misunderstandings
With viral math puzzles, people may misunderstand the underlying rules or context, leading to different answers. With fake news, a similar misunderstanding of the context or meaning of information can lead people to believe and pass on false information as true.
2. Quick replies
The speed of the Internet and the pressure to respond immediately can lead to errors, both in puzzles and fake news. People often don't have the time or willingness to thoroughly review the information they see before sharing or commenting on it.
3. Deception through simplicity
Both viral puzzles and fake news can provide simple answers to complex questions, which is seductive for many people. In math puzzles, a seemingly simple rule can trick people into giving a quick but possibly incorrect answer. With fake news, a simple (but false) explanation of a complex problem can trick people into sharing the wrong information.
4. Groupthink
Humans are social creatures and tend to agree with the majority opinion, even if that opinion is based on incorrect information. With viral math puzzles, this can lead to people giving the wrong answer because they see many others doing it too. With fake news, this can lead to people sharing false information because they see others in their social group doing it too.
These common patterns demonstrate how similar psychological and social dynamics can influence the spread of viral puzzles and fake news. They underscore the need to think critically about the information we see online and carefully consider our responses before sharing them.
The hidden rule in fake news
In fact, fake news often has “hidden rules” or strategies to spread misinformation and get people to believe and share it. Here are some examples:
1. Emotional appeal
Fake news is often designed to evoke strong emotions – be it fear, anger, surprise or joy. This is a powerful hidden rule because people are more likely to share content that touches them emotionally.
2. Confirmation bias
Fake news can often build on existing biases or beliefs to exploit confirmation bias. This means that they are designed to confirm what people already believe, making them appear more attractive and “true.”
3. Deceptive authenticity
Fake news often uses official-looking images, quotes or data to increase its credibility. They may also refer to real events or people but distort the context or add lies to tell a false story.
4. Virality
Like viral math puzzles, one of the hidden rules of fake news is often its ability to spread quickly and widely. They're designed to be shared - whether through provocative headlines, shocking claims or simply by stirring up controversy.
These hidden rules help make fake news seem convincing and attractive despite its untruth. They highlight the need to be critical and vigilant when we view and share information online.
Deciphering the hidden rules in both fake news and viral puzzles requires a similar set of skills and approaches. Here are some strategies you can use:
1. Critical Thinking: It is important to think critically about the information we see online. Ask yourself questions like: Where does this information come from? Is the source trustworthy? Is there evidence to support the claims?
2. Fact-checking: Before sharing information, take the time to verify it. There are many trusted fact-checking websites that can help confirm or refute the accuracy of news and claims.
3. Understanding Logic and Patterns: When it comes to puzzles, it is often helpful to look for patterns or regularities that can help identify the hidden rule. When it comes to fake news, understanding the logic behind the hidden rules – like emotional appeal or confirmation bias – can help see through misinformation.
4. Media Literacy: The ability to understand and analyze various forms of media is critical to navigating today's digital information landscape. This includes understanding how media content is created and distributed and awareness of how it can influence our thinking and behavior.
5. Patience and skepticism: When faced with complicated puzzles or confusing messages, it is often helpful to step back and take time for a more thorough investigation. It's okay to be skeptical and not have an answer right away.
By applying these skills and strategies, we can better understand and navigate the hidden rules of viral puzzles and fake news. It is a continuous learning process, but an important step towards a more informed and conscious participation in our digital world.
AND WHAT DOES THE SOLUTION LOOK LIKE?
As we explained previously, the answer to the math puzzle depends on the interpretation of the rules to be applied in the given equations.
And if nothing works anymore, then 42
The humorous answer to the unsolved mathematics puzzles of life and the Internet
The number 42 has gained particular significance in popular culture through Douglas Adams' science fiction novel The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. In this book, 42 is presented as "the answer to the question of life, the universe, and everything else," although the exact question to which it answers is never made entirely clear.
In this context, the number 42 is often used humorously as a universal answer to complex or unresolved questions. So if you're faced with a tricky puzzle like this and don't know how to answer, you can always answer "42" - at least as a humorous nod to the fact that sometimes the answers to the most difficult questions are the ones we know we still have to face ourselves.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

