Can You Solve The Intelligence Test That's Left People On Facebook Confused? | HuffPost Life

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Life Editor at HuffPost UK

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A maths puzzle is boggling minds around the world, but can you solve it?

The test has been shared by thousands on Facebook after it was posted by the page Wikr.com.

To solve the problem, you simply have to work out the number to replace the question mark.

According to Wikr.com, only one in every 1,000 people can master it.

(Read on to discover the answer.)

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While one plus four does indeed equal five, two plus five does not equal 12. So, what’s the catch?

The puzzle actually has a few possible solutions.

Solution One:

1 + 4 = 5

Then on the next line, add the answer from the previous equation to 2 + 5. That gives you the answer of 12.

The rest of the list will go as follows:

12 + 3 + 6 = 21

21 + 8 + 11 = 40

Solution Two:

1 + 4 = 5. You could also reach that answer by adding 1 to 4 multiplied by 1.

With the second line, it would be: 2 + (2 x 5) = 12

The rest of the list will go as follows:

3 + (3 x 6) = 21

8 + (8 x 11) = 96

So to solve the puzzle, you can either give the answer 40 or 96.

Solution Three:

Solution three is a little more complex to explain. For you super mathematicians, the answer would be would be 201 using the following sequence:

5 = 5 using base 6

7 = 12 using base 5

9 = 21 using base 4

19 = 201 using base 3

If that sounds like gobbledygook, you’ll find an explainer of base conversions here.

Headache? Us too.

10 Tips For Keeping Your Brain Healthy

1. Challenge Yourself(01 of10)

It’s all too easy to remain in your comfort zone, but learning a new skill, language or musical instrument will not only stimulate the little grey cells but enrich your life too. (credit:Vstock LLC/Sarah M. Golonka via Getty Images)

2. Do Something Different(02 of10)

Everyday routines drain our brains, so change things about.

From the routes you take to the shops or work, to what you cook for dinner, the changes you make can be big or small, but encourage yourself to step away from the norm. (credit:Lynn Koenig via Getty Images)

3. Learn To Relax(03 of10)

Although it is important to challenge yourself, you must also take time to refresh and unwind.

Our brains require time to process information deeply in order to learn from our daily experiences.

It may sound obvious, but relaxing reduces stress and the over-production of brain chemicals and hormones, such as cortisol, which in large quantities can negatively affect parts of the brain. (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)

4. Turn On And Turn It Up!(04 of10)

Watching too much TV can dull brain programming.

Instead, put on your favourite music playlist, turn the volume up and really listen to it rather than just have it as background sound.

Research shows that music can lower stress hormones which impede memory and increase feelings of well-being. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)

5. Reorganise Your Environment(05 of10)

More mess leads to more stress! Revamp your home or workplace by de-cluttering and provide mental space for creativity and renewal. (credit:bopav via Getty Images)

6. Enjoy A Lie-In(06 of10)

Research shows that when you’re persistently sleep-deprived, your body doesn’t have the time to build proteins, which can damage your brain.

So go to bed early and, once a week, give yourself a treat and stay in bed for an extra hour or so. (credit:Troels Graugaard via Getty Images)

7. Use Your Weaker Hand(07 of10)

When was the last time you tried to write, draw or even stir your tea with your weaker hand?

Doing day-to-day activities with your "other" hand can drive your brain to make positive changes, as it requires the brain to pay close attention to a normally unconscious behaviour. (credit:FogStock/Alin Dragulin via Getty Images)

8. Keep Active(08 of10)

Exercise can improve our energy levels and immune system, as well as our sense of wellbeing, sleep, and brain health.

Again, variety can be key, and taking up a new activity – be it yoga, swimming, Nordic walking or kick boxing – is invigorating and pushes us to learn new disciplines.

Nervous about something new? Take a friend along to encourage you and so you can both make changes in your life. (credit:Assembly via Getty Images)

9. Ditch The Caffeine, Switch To Water(09 of10)

Although coffee or tea will give you an immediate boost, too many cups can be harmful for your brain.

Sipping water can be remarkably helpful when your energy levels are ebbing or your concentration is starting to dip. (credit:Indeed via Getty Images)

10. Have Fun(10 of10)

Finally, just in case this has all sounded a bit serious so far, the tenth tip is to simply: “have fun”.

Socialising and spending happy time with friends and family enables the sharing of experiences, challenges, emotions, trust, and understanding.

Research shows that people with five or more regular social ties halved their risk of cognitive decline compared to those with no social ties. (credit:kristian sekulic via Getty Images)

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