Here we have the “clickbait” finale! After the aunt’s recipe and the mysterious object, it’s time for a math puzzle for geniuses. These examples are fascinating in that they are not really about genius, but about attention to detail and basic rules that we learned in fifth grade.
They are usually one of two types:
- Order of operations trap (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
People are arguing in the comments about examples like:
$$6 \div 2(1 + 2) = ?$$
Wrong reasoning: People first multiply $2 \times 3$, get $6$, and the result is 1.
Correct reasoning: The parentheses are worked from left to right. $6 \div 2 = 3$ and $3 \times 3 =$ 9.
- “Fruit” algebra with a trick
A picture with apples, bananas, and coconuts. This isn’t about math, it’s about an optical illusion:
In the first line, there are 3 apples = 30 (one is 10).
In the second, there are 2 bunches of 4 bananas.
But in the last line, there are only 3 bunches of bananas, and there is only half a coconut.
The genius notices that the number of pieces of fruit has changed, while the others are still counting with the same values.
Why do we enjoy it so much?
These examples are designed to make us feel: “It’s obvious, everyone else is stupid!” This motivates us to write that comment and share it further. It’s a great psychological trick to increase the reach of posts.
So, what “problem for geniuses” do you have in mind? Sure, if we can solve it right away!