Only smartest people can solve maths puzzle in seconds – and '99% fail' test

Zahna Eklund
·2-min read
maths
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Put your maths skills to the test by trying this tricky question that's left adults stumped.

The puzzle was posted onto the IQ Test US TikTok page. While it may seem very easy at first glance, it's been leaving people feeling perplexed.

The brainteaser first tells you that A+A = 2, and that A+B = 3. Using that information, you then have to figure out the formula "A + B x 2 = ?"

Apparently, only 1% of people are able to solve the equation in a matter of seconds. So why not set a timer and see how long it takes you to solve.

Even if you don't get it done instantly, we'll give you a pass for getting it correct! If you need some help, don't fret. First, you'll need to first work out what the value of A and B is.

By doing this, you can fill in the equation with numbers instead of letters. Then, there's actually a special trick to working out the sum – and failing to use it will likely result in you getting an incorrect answer.

The trick is to use the rule of BIDMAS, which we will explain here. Alternatively, scroll down to see the answer in full.

BIDMAS is an acronym used to help remember the order of operations in mathematics. It stands for:

  1. B rackets

  2. I ndices (also known as exponents or powers)

  3. D ivision and M ultiplication (from left to right)

  4. A ddition and S ubtraction (from left to right)

Here's a brief explanation of each step:

  1. Brackets : Solve anything inside parentheses or other types of brackets first.

    • Example: In the expression ( (2 + 3) \times 4 ), solve ( 2 + 3 ) first because it's inside the brackets.

  2. Indices : Then, calculate any exponents or powers.

    • Example: In the expression ( 3^2 + 4 ), calculate ( 3^2 ) (which equals 9) before adding 4.

  3. Division and Multiplication : Next, perform all division and multiplication operations from left to right.

    • Example: In the expression ( 6 \div 2 \times 3 ), perform the division ( 6 \div 2 ) (which equals 3), then multiply by 3.

  4. Addition and Subtraction : Finally, perform all addition and subtraction from left to right.

    • Example: In the expression ( 7 - 2 + 5 ), subtract 2 from 7 (to get 5), and then add 5.

It’s important to follow the BIDMAS rules to ensure that mathematical expressions are solved correctly. Misordering the operations can lead to incorrect results.

Answer

The answer is five. If you worked out the easy sums correctly, you'll know that A is 1 and B is 2, making the final sum "1 + 2 x 2 = ?".

Latest stories