At first glance, the equations in this puzzle seem incorrect. 1 + 4 does not equal 5, and 2 + 5 does not equal 12 using conventional addition. However, there’s a hidden pattern at play, and once you recognize it, solving the final equation becomes a breeze.
If you enjoy brain teasers that challenge conventional thinking, this puzzle is for you! Let’s break it down step by step and uncover the secret behind the numbers.

Step 1: Understanding the Given Equations
The puzzle presents the following pattern:
- 1 + 4 = 5
- 2 + 5 = 12
- 3 + 6 = 21
- 5 + 8 = ?
At first, these results don’t follow standard addition. That means there’s an underlying mathematical relationship we need to discover.
Video: Can You Solve This Logic Puzzle?
Step 2: Identifying the Pattern
Looking closely at the given number sequences, let’s analyze how the results were derived.
Observing the relationships:
- 1 × 4 = 4, then 4 + 1 = 5
- 2 × 5 = 10, then 10 + 2 = 12
- 3 × 6 = 18, then 18 + 3 = 21
There is a clear formula being followed: (X×Y)+X=Result
Where:
- XXX is the first number.
- YYY is the second number.
- Multiply XXX by YYY, then add XXX again.
Step 3: Solving for 5 + 8
Now that we have identified the formula, lets apply it to 5 + 8:
(5×8)+5
=40+5
=45
Thus, the correct answer is:
Final Answer: 45

From the given multiple-choice options, the correct selection is:
✔ C. 45
Why This Puzzle Confuses Most People
This puzzle is designed to trick your brain into assuming it follows standard addition. But once you think outside the box, the hidden logic becomes clear.
This type of puzzle:
- Enhances logical reasoning skills
- Improves pattern recognition abilities
- Encourages critical thinking beyond basic math rules
It’s a great example of how mathematical sequences can be creatively designed to challenge our usual problem-solving habits.
Challenge Yourself: Can You Create a Similar Puzzle?
Now that you understand how this works, try creating a similar puzzle using the same logic. Choose a new set of numbers and apply the pattern to create an interesting challenge for your friends!
Want to test your mathematical intelligence further? Keep an eye out for more mind-bending math puzzles that will push your problem-solving skills to the limit!