Ready for a quick brain teaser that looks easy—but has a clever catch? This puzzle is making its rounds online, and people are split over the correct answer. Think you’ve got the skills to crack it?
Let’s dive into this math riddle:
A + A = 12
B + B = 6
A + B × 2 = ?
Your task: What’s the final result?
Take a moment and try to solve it before reading ahead. It’s fun, fast, and surprisingly satisfying when you get it right.
Don’t Let the Simplicity Fool You
At first glance, this puzzle seems like basic arithmetic. You figure out the values of A and B from the first two equations and plug them into the third. Easy, right?
But here’s where it gets tricky: Most people miss one important detail—the order of operations.
That’s right. This isn’t just about substituting A and B. You’ve also got to respect how math works when it comes to multiplication and addition.
Common Mistakes People Make
The biggest mistake? Ignoring the rules of math and solving the third equation left to right. Let’s look at a wrong approach:
A = 6
B = 3
So, A + B × 2 becomes:
6 + 3 × 2 =
(6 + 3) × 2 = 9 × 2 = 18 ❌
Looks convincing, but it’s incorrect. Why? Because it breaks a key rule: multiplication comes before addition unless parentheses say otherwise.
Let’s Solve It Step by Step
Let’s slow it down and walk through it carefully.
From the first equation:
A + A = 12 → A = 6
From the second equation:
B + B = 6 → B = 3
Video : Maths Quiz 33
Now plug those into the third equation:
A + B × 2
= 6 + 3 × 2
Here’s the crucial part: Do the multiplication first.
= 6 + (3 × 2)
= 6 + 6
= 12
So the correct answer is 12.
Why This Puzzle Is So Clever
This isn’t a complex math problem—it’s just sneaky. It tests whether you pay attention to math order rules you probably learned in elementary school but don’t always think about. In fact, this kind of puzzle is a great example of how our brains jump to what feels right instead of following logic step by step.
It’s the same reason so many people fall for optical illusions. Our brains love shortcuts—but puzzles like this remind us that those shortcuts can trip us up.
So—Did You Get It Right?
Be honest—were you one of the people who said 18? Or did you catch the multiplication rule and land on 12?
Either way, puzzles like this are great for keeping your brain sharp. They remind us not to rush, to think critically, and to look twice before locking in an answer.
Video : Brilliant Math Puzzles For Clever Minds
Keep Your Mind Sharp—Try More Puzzles
Riddles like these may seem small, but they actually strengthen your logic, attention to detail, and mental flexibility. Whether you’re prepping for a test, trying to stay mentally fit, or just enjoy a good challenge, puzzles are one of the best ways to do it.
So next time you see a brain teaser like this, don’t scroll past it. Give it a shot—you might just surprise yourself.
And remember: Math doesn’t lie… but it does love to trick you when you’re not paying attention. 😉
