When this problem was initially posted on Facebook, it included the claim that only one in 1,000 people could solve it.

The problem:

1 + 4 = 5

2 + 5 = 12

3 + 6 = 21

8 + 11 =  ?

What do you think the answer is?

The problem went viral and generated over 3 million comments with people arguing about the correct answer. What do you think the correct answer is?

Get an explanation of the solution.

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Alison W. Sing
Alison W. Sing
28 days ago

Yes, I also got the answer 96 by interpreting the sequential results for the missing elements as shown in this video. The puzzler intentionally skipped the intervening levels giving you a false impression that the last total added to last combination of 3+6=21 would give you 40. One must view the original sequencing that established the progression to arrive at the final answer. So, replicating the sequence to get 8+11; one must fill in the intervening sequence. Logic would take you there. Assumption results in making an “ass” out of yourself for falling into the puzzler’s plan. Actually, one can claim two possible answers either “40” or “96” from a technical argument that the puzzler could have intended a sequential answer using only what was presented and therefore the answer 40 could be considered correct. Following the logic outlined in the first three lines; dictates that one must continue the sequencing until you reach 8+11= to arrive at 96.

Nasima
Nasima
1 month ago

The answer is 40

haile terefe
haile terefe
2 months ago

The correct answer is 8+11=19 then19+77=96

haile terefe
haile terefe
2 months ago

3+6=21
4+7=32
5+8=45
6+9=60
7+10=77
8+11=94

haile terefe
haile terefe
2 months ago

the correct answer is 94

Jameel khan
Jameel khan
3 months ago

52 is correct answer
Explain:-1+4*1=5
2+5*2=12
3+6*3=21
8+11*4=52

Casper Hutten
Casper Hutten
3 months ago
Reply to  Jameel khan

8+11=88+8=96,