Riddles aren’t just time-killers. They’re a mental exercise, making us think creatively and critically. Solving them sharpens our problem-solving skills, boosts our brainpower, and gives a real sense of achievement. But what makes this particular riddle stump so many?
Here’s the riddle:
1 + 4 = 5
2 + 5 = 12
3 + 6 = 21
5 + 8 =?
At first look, these equations seem to flout math rules. But cracking this riddle means spotting the hidden pattern, not sticking to the norm.
To solve it, think beyond basic addition. Let’s break it down:
1 + 4 = 5. Simple, right? But what if the pattern is adding the previous result to the sum?
2 + 5 = 12. Add the sum (7) to the previous result (5), and you get 12.
