Maths brain teasers baffle netizens, become internet's latest sensation

In a digital world driven by memes and viral reels, brain teasers — especially mathematical ones — are quietly becoming the internet’s favourite pastime.

They offer not just a break from doomscrolling, but a spark of curiosity, an intellectual nudge, and have become the thinking person’s internet addiction.

Viral puzzle

A new puzzle that is causing quite a stir on X (formerly Twitter) was posted by the popular handle Brainy Quiz. It asks a seemingly simple question:

“Math Test: 9 + 5 × 0 ÷ 3 = ?”

While it may look easy, this puzzle hinges on understanding the correct order of operations — a classic trap for the unsuspecting. If you rush in, the zeros and division might throw you off. The real challenge lies in applying the correct order of operations.

The puzzle craze

This isn’t the first time social media has gone wild over a maths teaser. Another viral puzzle from a Facebook page named Maths Tricks offered an engaging puzzle:

“111 = 21, 222 = 44, 223 = 46, 334 = ?”

This challenge goes beyond simple arithmetic. It demands lateral thinking, a keen eye for patterns, and a willingness to challenge conventional rules. It’s exactly the type of puzzle that gets people tagging friends, commenting guesses, and explaining solutions.

Digital numbers game

Mathematical brain teasers tap into something primal — the joy of cracking a code. Whether you're a seasoned number nerd or just enjoy the occasional brain workout, these puzzles offer the perfect balance of fun and frustration.

They also build community. A shared struggle over a stubborn puzzle often sparks thoughtful debates and even playful rivalries in comment threads across platforms. Everyone wants to be the first to solve it — or at least prove they remember school math lessons.

Creative thinking

Despite their complexity, it’s often the simplest-looking puzzles that leave us stumped. That’s part of their charm. These mini mysteries remind us that thinking creatively is just as important as being accurate.

The reason why brain teasers like these gain such traction on social media is simple — they encourage us to think in ways we don’t often do in our everyday lives. They make us stretch our mental muscles, testing our logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Whether it’s a quick moment of satisfaction when we solve one or the challenge of cracking an especially tough puzzle, these brain teasers keep us coming back for more. So, if you're a fan of mental challenges, these math teasers are sure to keep you entertained for hours.