Ready to challenge your logic skills? We’ve got a fun and deceptively simple-looking puzzle for you. It’s got numbers, it’s got a mystery, and it’s got that “wait… what?” moment when the answer clicks. So here’s the question: What number is missing in the middle of this grid?
Let’s lay it out clearly. The grid looks like this:
40 5 30
15 ? 35
20 45 10
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be any clear pattern. It’s not multiplying across or subtracting diagonally. That question mark sitting in the center is just mocking us. But don’t give up yet.
Take a Guess First (Don’t Scroll Too Fast!)
Try to find the answer before reading ahead. That’s part of the fun. Don’t worry if it takes you a minute—or ten. It’s all about sharpening your brain and thinking outside the usual math box.
Why People Get This Puzzle Wrong
Let’s be honest: most of us immediately start looking for patterns like multiplication, division, or some trick involving diagonals. Maybe you tried 40 – 15 = 25 and hoped to find a similar relationship on the other rows. Or you tried working with the diagonals (because it feels like it should involve diagonals, right?). But nothing lines up.
That’s exactly why this puzzle is so clever—it feels complicated, but the solution is grounded in something really simple.
The Hidden Pattern: It’s All About the Columns
Here’s the trick: don’t overthink. Just try adding up each column.
Let’s start with the first column:
40 (top left) + 15 (middle left) + 20 (bottom left) = 75
Now the third column:
30 (top right) + 35 (middle right) + 10 (bottom right) = 75
Now look at the middle column:
5 (top middle) + ? + 45 (bottom middle) = total should also be 75
Video : Find The Missing Number – Math Table Puzzle
That gives us:
5 + ? + 45 = 75
Which means:
? = 75 – (5 + 45) = 75 – 50 = 25
That’s it! The missing number is 25.
Step-by-Step Breakdown (Just to Be Sure)
- Look at columns, not rows – that’s where the trick lies.
- Add each column’s numbers:
- First column: 40 + 15 + 20 = 75
- Third column: 30 + 35 + 10 = 75
- Match the middle column’s total to 75.
- 5 + ? + 45 = 75 ⇒ ? = 25
Boom. Mystery solved.
What Makes This Puzzle So Fun?
It’s simple… but sneaky. The numbers don’t scream out a clear pattern. There’s no complex math. It just requires a shift in perspective. And puzzles like this? They help keep your brain flexible, sharp, and curious.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best solution is hiding in the simplest place. You just have to look at it the right way.
Video : Trending Puzzle
So—Did You Get It Right?
Drop your answer in the comments! If you nailed it, give yourself a gold star. And if you didn’t? No shame at all. The best part about puzzles isn’t always getting the answer—it’s stretching your thinking, learning something new, and maybe even tricking a friend with it later.
Tag someone who needs a little brain teaser today, and don’t forget to share this puzzle if you enjoyed it!
Keep Playing, Keep Growing
Logic puzzles like these are great for boosting memory, problem-solving, and creative thinking. So don’t stop here. Try another one, challenge your friends, and make puzzling part of your daily mental workout. It’s like the gym—but way more fun.
Happy solving! 🧠💡
