Maths for Geniuses? Can You Solve This Number Puzzle?

you encounter a puzzle like this, try the following approach:

  1. Don’t assume the symbols have their normal mathematical meaning.
  2. Compare all of the examples.
  3. Look for repeated relationships.
  4. Try subtraction, multiplication, division, or combinations of operations.
  5. Check whether the answer might be made by joining two separate results.
  6. Test your theory against every example.
  7. Choose the simplest rule that consistently explains the entire puzzle.

The key is to avoid forcing a rule that only works for one example.

Final Answer

The puzzle may look impossible at first, but the hidden pattern is actually quite simple.

For 7 + 6:

Difference: 7 − 6 = 1

Sum: 7 + 6 = 13

Put them together:

1 + 13 → 113

The Answer Is 113

The real trick is not complicated mathematics. It is simply looking at a familiar problem from a different perspective.

Sometimes, the answer becomes obvious once you stop asking, “What is the normal calculation?” and