1 in 10 can complete this calculation without a calculator… are you up for the challenge?

Do you enjoy little brain-teasing challenges? The kind that, in a single line, require you to fully concentrate? Then this problem is for you. Be warned, though: despite its seemingly simple equation, it has already stumped thousands of internet users. What if you were one of the rare few who found the right answer… on the first try?

The equation that makes even the best doubt themselves

Here's the puzzle that's driving the internet wild:

2 × 1 + 6 × 6

Nothing too difficult at first glance, right? And yet, this challenge, shared by Dr. Saba Osmaan on X (formerly Twitter), has stumped many a sharp mind. The goal? To find the correct answer in less than 10 seconds… without a calculator, of course!

The key to success? Remembering an ultra-basic rule… but one often forgotten in the rush.

What these challenges do for your brain

Beyond the fun aspect and the small moment of pride when you find the solution, these mini-challenges are real allies for maintaining our mental agility. In particular, they allow us to:

• Stimulate working memory by recalling rules learned sometimes a long time ago.
• Strengthen concentration, especially when you have a limited time to respond.
• Improve accuracy by avoiding errors related to rushing.

It's a bit like a speedy workout for the mind: quick, effective, and without breaking a sweat!

The trap into which we (almost) all fall

Many people read the equation, do their calculations quickly… and give the wrong answer. Why? Because they fall into the classic trap: they perform the addition before the multiplications. However, in mathematics,  the order of operations  is fundamental. This famous rule, often called PEMDAS or BODMAS, specifies that multiplications are always performed before additions.

Here is the correct approach:

1. We begin with multiplication:
   • 2 × 1 = 2
   • 6 × 6 = 36
2. Then we add the results together:
   • 2 + 36 = 38

The answer:

And there you have it: the correct answer is  38. Easy? Yes, once you remember the basics!

Why we love this kind of challenge

If this type of issue goes viral, it's not by chance. It ticks all the boxes to captivate audiences:

• It's quick to understand.
• It seems too simple to be true, which piques curiosity.
• It creates a small personal challenge or one among friends.
• And above all, it provides a great sense of satisfaction when solved correctly!

It's also a pleasant way to make peace with math: here, there are no long formulas or abstract concepts, just a bit of logic and rigor.

Share without moderation!

Want to test your loved ones? Copy the equation, give them 10 seconds… and observe their reaction! It's the perfect activity for a break at work, a dinner with friends, or even to keep teenagers occupied during a car journey.

And who knows? Maybe this little game will inspire you to take on other mental challenges, like Sudoku, logic puzzles, or visual riddles. Because stimulating your brain is like exercising your muscles: a little bit every day, and the effects are quickly noticeable!

Sometimes, a simple line of numbers is enough to reveal the mathematician within you!