If you’re anything like me, you’ll be relieved that the last time you had to solve a difficult arithmetic sum or an algebraic problem was in high school.

I’m perfectly aware that some individuals are predisposed to appreciate math, while others (including myself) are programmed to dislike it. I prefer to think of myself as a creative spirit rather than a rational one. But well, everyone is different. That being said, while I had no desire to teach math in stuffy classrooms full of rebellious children, I have found an unexpected delight in completing online puzzles when I encounter them. I’m enjoying the process of completing internet riddles and puzzles in my own time, without any rush.

I know I’m not alone. No, it appears that there are many people out there who take pleasure in their ability to recognize patterns and solve difficult arithmetic problems.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be relieved that the last time you had to solve a difficult arithmetic sum or an algebraic problem was in high school.

I’m perfectly aware that some individuals are predisposed to appreciate math, while others (including myself) are programmed to dislike it. I prefer to think of myself as a creative spirit rather than a rational one. But well, everyone is different. That being said, while I had no desire to teach math in stuffy classrooms full of rebellious children, I have found an unexpected delight in completing online puzzles when I encounter them. I’m enjoying the process of completing internet riddles and puzzles in my own time, without any rush.

I know I’m not alone. No, it appears that there are many people out there who take pleasure in their ability to recognize patterns and solve difficult arithmetic problems.In pursuit of this goal, we chose to challenge the intellect of our esteemed readers with a thought-provoking subject that has left numerous individuals online bewildered..

Are you prepared for this week’s mathematical gymnastics exercise? Are you prepared for this week’s exercise in mathematical gymnastics? I sincerely hope so. Because, here it comes:

If 1+4=5 and 2+5=12, what is the value of 5+8?

Perhaps it’s simpler if you see it typed out like this:

1+4=5
2+5=12
3+6=21
5+8=?

This particular dilemma seems to have left a significant portion of the internet perplexed, with numerous individuals disputing the correct solution. Much of it, of course, relies on how you approach the exercise, the specific strategy you use to try to obtain the correct answer.

What is the essence of the matter? There is more than one right answer! There are quite a few, based on our study. If you’ve tried your hand at the problem and want to check if you’re on the right track (or if, like me, you were eventually so annoyed that you just needed to be handed the answer), see below for five distinct approaches to the problem.

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

Solution Three
1 + 4 = 5 = 5
2 + 5 = (5 + 2) + (5) = 12
3 + 6 = (7 + 2) + (12) = 21
5 + 8 = (9 + 2) + (21) = 32
ALGORITHM: for {X=5, C = X + C’ , X = X+2 };, where C’ is the previous answer. A and B not used in equation,
ANSWER = 32

Solution Four
1 + 4 = 5
2 + 5 = 7 (base 5) =12
3 + 6 = 9 (base 4) = 21
5 + 8 = 13 (base 3) = 111
ALGORITHM: for {X=6, C = (A + B)^(10 -> X), X -1} (First answer in Base6, then Base 5, then 4, etc…)
ANSWER = 111

Solution Five
1 + 4 = 5
2 + 5 = 7 (base 5) =12
3 + 6 = 9 (base 4) = 21
4 + 7 = 11 (base 3) = 102
5 + 8 = 13 (base 2) (aka binary) = 1101
ALGORITHM: for {X=6, C = (A + B)^(10 -> X), X -1} (First answer in Base6, then
Base 5, then 4, etc…including “missing” numbers
ANSWER = 1101

What answer did you get? Was it any of the above? Do let us know in the comments section on Facebook!