If you’re anything like me, you’ll be thankful that the last time you had to work out a vexing math sum or tackle an algebraic problem was way back in high school. I’m well aware that some people are wired to enjoy math, just as certain others (myself included) are wired to loath it. I
So, got your thinking cap on? Ready for this week’s exercise in mathematical gymnastics? I certainly hope so… because here it comes:
If 1+4=5, 2+5=12, and , then what is the value of 5+8?
Perhaps it’s easier if you see it written out as follows:
1+4=5
2+5=12
3+6=21
5+8=?
It appears that this particular problem has left a large portion of the internet scratching their heads, and a lot of people split on what the correct answer actually is. Much of it depends on how you approach the exercise of course; what exact method you employ to try and help you find the right answer.
And the crux of it all? There’s more than one correct answer! In fact, there are quite a few if our research is anything to go by. If you’ve had a go at the problem yourself and want to see if you’ve got it right (or if, like me, you were ultimately left so frustrated that you simply have to be given the answer) see below for five different ways the problem can be tackled.
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
