10 Socks in a Dark Drawer: How Many Guarantee a Matching Pair?
This drawer puzzle depends on what we mean by a matching pair. The usual interpretation is that the 10 socks form 5 distinct pairs. In the worst…
A Boy Has as Many Sisters as Brothers — How Many Children Are There?
This family puzzle takes a little algebra, but the wording gives you everything you need. Suppose there are b boys and s girls. For a boy, the…
12 ÷ 3(1 + 3): What Is the Correct Answer?
This equation is a classic source of arguments because the notation can look more confusing than it really is. The expression is: 12 ÷ 3(1 + 3)…
15 + 15 × 0 + 5: The Answer Is Not 30 — Can You Solve It?
This puzzle is designed to make you add too quickly. The expression is: 15 + 15 × 0 + 5 According to the order of operations, multiplication…
4 × 4 + 4 ÷ 4: Can You Solve This Without a Calculator?
This quick math puzzle looks simple, but it still catches people who ignore the order of operations. The expression is: 4 × 4 + 4 ÷ 4…
100 Divided by a Quarter Plus 10: What Is the Correct Answer?
This puzzle looks like ordinary division, but the phrase divided by a quarter is where many people go wrong. The expression is: 100 divided by a quarter,…
What Can Run Around a Backyard Without Ever Moving? Riddle Answer
This riddle sounds like it should be about an animal or something racing in circles: What can run around a backyard without ever moving? The answer is…
9 × 3 − 9 ÷ 3: Can You Solve This Without a Calculator?
This short equation is a good test of whether you remember the standard order of operations. The expression is: 9 × 3 − 9 ÷ 3 Multiplication…
A Rooster Lays 3 Eggs a Day — How Many After 7 Days?
This riddle looks like a simple multiplication question, but the first sentence contains the real clue. A woman buys a rooster, and the puzzle says it lays…
5 + 5 × 2: Is the Answer Really Not 15?
This puzzle tries to throw you off before you even start by saying the answer is not 15. The expression is: 5 + 5 × 2 Use…