Mathematics, is the language of numbers. It is the abstract science of digits, quantity, and space, either as abstract concepts or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering.
Math puzzles have specific rules but don’t always involve examinations or competitions. To solve puzzles, the solver must find a solution that satisfies the given conditions.
In other words, mathematical puzzles require mathematical intellect and knowledge to solve them.
Riddles based on numbers can take seconds to solve. But some are tricky enough to keep you engaged all day or even a week.
If you think you are a Math Whiz, you’d want to try this set of 10 riddles that will challenge your knowledge of numbers and mathematical rules.
Riddle 1: One brother says of his younger brother: “Two years ago, I was three times as old as my brother was. In three years’ time, I will be twice as old as my brother.” How old are they each now?
Riddle 2: In a certain country ½ of 5 = 3. If the same proportion holds, what is the value of 1/3 of 10?
Riddle 3: Add eight 8s to get the number 1,000. You can only use addition.
Riddle 4: A merchant can place 8 large boxes or 10 small boxes into a carton for shipping. In one shipment, he sent a total of 96 boxes. If there are more large boxes than small boxes, how many cartons did he ship?
Riddle 5: If 9999 = 4, 8888 = 8, 1816 = 6, 1212 = 0, then 1919 = ?
Riddle 6: What single digit appears most frequently between and including the numbers 1 and 1,000?
Riddle 7: If a hen and a half lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs will half a dozen hens lay in half a dozen days?
Riddle 8: A small number of cards has been lost from a complete pack. If I deal among four people, three cards remain. If I deal among three people, two remain and if I deal among five people, two cards remain. How many cards are there?
Riddle 9: You know 2 + 2 comes to the same as 2 x 2. Now find a set of three different whole numbers whose sum is equal to their total when multiplied. (Answer – 1, 2, and 3)
Riddle 10: What is the smallest whole number that is equal to seven times the sum of its digits? (Answer – 21).
Here are the answers:
1. Older brother is 17 and the younger brother is 7.
2. 4.
3. 888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1,000
4. 11 cartons total
7 large boxes (7 * 8 = 56 boxes)
4 small boxes (4 10 = 40 boxes
11 total cartons and 96 boxes
5. 4.
6. 1
7. Two dozen
8. 47
9. 1,2 and 3
10. 21