Have you ever encountered a mathematical problem that seems to be so simple, but still leaves the brain in circles?
Sometimes a seemingly straightforward equation can lead to lessons of debate and confusion-especially when it is not as clear as it first appears.
It’s one of those puzzles that appear from nowhere, and before you know, you’ll find that you think about it long after you left the table.
This particular problem was to produce waves on the Internet, so even the sharpest mind moved. So, if you are on a little mental challenge, try to solve it: 1+4 = 5, 2+5 = 12, 3+6 = 21 and … what is 5+8 equals?
Let’s dive and see how this puzzle can be approached in five unique ways that could let you amaze you!
Although I was not interested in teaching mathematics for classrooms full of chaotic students, unexpectedly I found joy in solving online puzzles whenever it appears. These puzzles and puzzles regularly appear and attract many people who boast their ability to identify patterns and burst difficult mathematical problems. To challenge our readers, we decided to introduce a puzzle with a brain -brain that had many scratching heads online.
Here’s a puzzle:
If 1+4 = 5, 2+5 = 12 and 3+6 = 21, what is the value of 5+8? It can be easier if you see it as follows:
1+4 = 5
2+5 = 12
3+6 = 21
5+8 =?
If you have tried to solve it yourself and want to check if you have sprayed it (or whether you have remained so confused that you are desperate to answer), read five different solutions.
Solution One:
1+4 = 5
2 + 5 = 2 + 2 (5) = 12
3 + 6 = 3 + 3 (6) = 21
5 + 8 = 5 + 5 (8) = 45
Algorithm: A + A (B) = C
 Answer: 45
Solution Two:
1 + 4 = 1 + 4 + (0) = 5
2 + 5 = 2 + 5 + (5) = 12
3 + 6 = 3 + 6 + (12) = 21
5 + 8 = 5 + 8 + (21) = 34
Algorithm: A + B + C ‘= C (where c’ is the previous answer)
Answer: 34
Solution three:
1+4 = 5
2+5 = (5+2)+(5) = 12
3+6 = (7+2)+(12) = 21
5+8 = (9+2)+(21) = 32
Algorithm: for {x = 5, c = x + c ‘, x = x + 2}, where C’ is the previous answer A and A B are not used in the equation.
 Answer: 32
Solution 4:
1+4 = 5
2+5 = 7 (base 5) = 12
3+6 = 9 (base 4) = 21
5+8 = 13 (base 3) = 111
Algorithm: for {x = 6, C = (A + B)*(10 -> x), x -1} (start with a response in base 10, then base 5, then base 4, etc.)
 Answer: 111
Solution five:
1+4 = 5
2+5 = 7 (base 5) = 12
3+6 = 9 (base 4) = 21
4+7 = 11 (base 3) = 102
5+8 = 13 (base 2, ie binary) = 1101
Algorithm: for {x = 6, C = (A + B) (10 -> x), x -1} (starting with base 6, then base 5, base 4, etc., incorporating “missing” numbers)
 Answer: 1101
In conclusion, the puzzle, which we introduced with equations 1+4 = 5, 2+5 = 12 and 3+6 = 21, followed the question of what 5+8 equals, will prove to be a fun and confusing challenge. When we explored five different solutions, each approach revealed a unique way of thinking, from using simple algorithms and patterns to using numerical bases and even inclusion of previous answers in equations.
Although each solution provides a valid way to answer, it is clear that such puzzles invite creativity and lateral thinking. So, whether you have arrived at an answer or still mysterious over it, it is a reminder of how mathematics, when it is mixed with a little imagination, can let even the most experienced thinkers scratch their heads.