A new maths puzzle is taking the internet by storm, proving that even the simplest equations can be devilishly tricky when you're scrolling too fast.
The problem, which has been shared thousands of times across social media, asks users to solve a final equation after being given a series of clues. It's the latest brain teaser to leave Brits utterly baffled and fiercely debating the correct answer in the comments.
The Puzzle That's Dividing the Nation
Here's the challenge that has everyone talking:
- Three pairs of shoes add up to 30
- Two cats and one pair of shoes total 20
- Four whistles and one cat equal 13
The final part asks: What is the value of one shoe plus one cat multiplied by one whistle?
At first glance, it seems straightforward enough. But a hidden detail has tripped up thousands of solvers, leading to heated arguments about the correct solution.
Why This Puzzle Is So Tricky
The devil is in the details. Sharp-eyed puzzlers noticed that in the final equation, the cat is not wearing a whistle, unlike in the previous rows. Furthermore, the whistles appear in pairs except for in the final question, where only a single whistle is shown.
These small but crucial changes alter the entire calculation, making it far more complex than your average maths problem. It's a classic case of needing to look carefully rather than making assumptions.
The Step-by-Step Solution
Let's break it down properly:
First equation: Three pairs of shoes equal 30. Therefore, one pair of shoes equals 10, and a single shoe is worth 5.
Second equation: One pair of shoes (10) plus two cats (each wearing a whistle) equals 20. So the two cats with whistles are worth 10, meaning each cat-with-whistle equals 5.
Third equation: One cat-with-whistle (5) plus two pairs of whistles equals 13. Therefore, the two pairs of whistles must equal 8, making one pair of whistles worth 4, and a single whistle worth 2.
This means the value of the cat alone (without the whistle) is 3 (5 - 2 = 3).
Final equation: Single shoe (5) + Cat without whistle (3) x Single whistle (2).
Remembering the order of operations (BODMAS), multiplication comes first: 3 x 2 = 6. Then add the shoe: 5 + 6 = 11.
So the correct answer is 11, not 16 as many initially guess!
Join the Debate
This puzzle has sparked a huge online discussion, with many insisting on different answers. It just goes to show that sometimes you need to slow down and examine every detail before jumping to a conclusion.
Why not test your friends and see if they can spot the tricky details that make all the difference?
