Tricky Maths Brainteaser Leaves People Frustrated but a Simple Answer is Revealed
A maths brainteaser has been causing a stir online, with a video going viral on TikTok showing a girl in America in tears as she struggles with a complex riddle-style maths question. The question, which appears more challenging than it actually is, left the girl feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. However, the answer to the puzzling question is surprisingly straightforward.
Maths can be a polarising subject, with some excelling at it while others find it daunting. Despite the mixed feelings towards maths, it remains a practical skill for real-life situations, such as calculating discounts or splitting items evenly. Engaging with maths puzzles can also boost cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills, potentially benefiting brain health by strengthening neural connections.
The TikTok video, shared by The Math Tutor, captures the emotional turmoil of the teenager as she grapples with the tricky math problem. The question states, “One number is 5 more than another number. Three times the greater plus twice the lesser is 30. Determine the numbers.” Although the wording may seem convoluted at first, breaking it down with basic algebraic expressions reveals a simple solution.
To solve the problem, viewers are guided to translate the worded puzzle into algebraic equations. The initial clue establishes an equation where one number (X) is 5 greater than another number (Y): x = 5 + y. The subsequent statement asserts that three times X plus twice Y equals 30, leading to the second equation: 3x + 2y = 30. By substituting the value of X from the first equation into the second and solving simultaneously, the numbers are revealed to be X = 8 and Y = 3.
This brainteaser serves as a reminder that sometimes, what appears complex at first glance may have a straightforward solution with a bit of logical reasoning and algebraic manipulation. So, the next time a challenging math problem crosses your path, don’t be deterred by its complexity—unraveling the solution might be simpler than it seems.