Baffling maths puzzle has 'glaringly obvious' answer but most can't solve it

Maths is a hugely divisive topic, whether you're still at school or left it behind years ago. Some of us love it, and others can't stand it, finding any sum a chore to try and solve. No matter how you feel about the subject, though, maths is undeniably good for your brain.

Working out maths puzzlesprovides a cognitive workout that strengthens neural connections in your brain, which help to enhance problem-solving skills, improve reasoning, and increase mental resilience. So, as much as you may not like maths, challenging yourself with a brainteaserevery now and again could do wonders for your mental health.

If you're up for a challenge today, then check out this fiendishly difficult algebra question. It has a deceptively easy answer, but most people give up before they find it - leaving them kicking themselves once it's revealed to them.

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Take a look at the X post shared below. You should see two algebra-based sums that give you all the information, followed by one last sum that doesn't have an answer. Filling in that blank space is your task.

The first sum states that "ab = 162", while the second formula tells you that "a/b = 18". You then have to use this information to work out the final sum, "a+b/b = ?".

The question looks baffling at first glance, and if you don't know where to start, it will quickly give you a headache. What you need to know first of all is that in algebra, two letters placed together, like in the first sum, mean those values are multiplied. So the first sum actually reads "a x b = 162".

But there's still a lot to work out. You need to know which sets of numbers multiply together to make 162, and then try to call upon any knowledge you might have of your 18-times table, in order to work out which pair also divide to make 18.

We can give you one hint, though: the value of "a" must be higher than the value of "b". Otherwise, you'd end up with a negative when you attempted to divide the numbers in the second sum.

Still struggling? We're going to give you the answer soon - and it will seem so obvious when we do!

Answer

The answer is 19.

The value of "a" is 54, and the value of "b" is 3. In the first sum, 54 x 3 is 162, while the second sum correctly shows that 54/3 is 18. You can then work out that 54 + 3 is 57, which, when divided by 3, is 19, giving you the answer to the final sum.

But you actually didn't need to know any of the values. You could easily work out the puzzle with the information provided.

If a/b is 18, adding the value of "b" to "a" once before you divide it will simply move one spot forward in the times table. If you know a/b is 18, then a+b/b must be 19 - no matter what the values of those letters are.

Want to try your hand at another maths puzzle? This one is so difficult it has people "in tears" - even though the answer is simple. Or if you want to try another brainteaser, you can attempt to spot the odd one out in a pile of similar-looking dice.