You're a genius if you can solve baffling maths question in just 5 seconds

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Get your brain ticking with this impossibly challenging brainteaser that can only be solved by a true modern-day genius.

Puzzles and riddlesmay seem like a mere distraction from your morning commute, or an easy way to occupy the kids on long car journeys - but they're actually a great form of mental exercise. In fact, research suggests that regularly solving these kinds of mini-tests can have a positive impact on the central nervous system, resulting in improved concentration levels and a better attention span.

However, this devilishly hard maths question may also result in huge family rows and a defeated ego. Seriously, you'll need a super high IQ and rapid reaction skills to solve this one under the strict time limit. So, let's jump straight in!

READ MORE: You've got a high IQ if you can spot all 3 hidden animals in 15 seconds

In the image above, you'll see a series of sums that don't appear to make much sense - and you've been presented with a maths problem which asks you to determine the value of 14 + 14. At the top of the image, there's a clue which states 11 + 11 equals four, and 12 + 12 makes six, plus 13 + 13 totals eight. This key will assist you in figuring out the answer.

So, pop your thinking caps on and set a timer - as you have just five seconds to lock in your answer and prove you're a genius. Fail, and you kiss goodbye to your chances of being invited to Mensa.

We're not giving away any clues for this one, but if you're feeling completely lost - ignore the timer and see how long it takes for you to solve. Still stuck, or reckon you've finally cracked it? Scroll down to the bottom of the article to reveal the answer.


If that maths brainteaser was no match for a boffin like yourself, fear not. It's now time to ramp things up to the next level with this insanely cryptic puzzle that only the nation's brightest minds can solve.

Created by the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) back in 2020, you'll need incredible analytical skills and a high IQ to solve this taxing puzzle. In fact, it's so hard there's no time limit whatsoever - but if you're still feeling stumped after 30 minutes, it might be time to surrender.

Ready? All you need to do is find the hidden word amongst the following. Once you're done, you can check your answer here - but no cheating!

  • Madison
  • Saturn
  • Do
  • Nitrogen
  • Exodus

ANSWER: After scrutinising the pattern, if you notice that 11 + 11 = 4, this translates to 2 + 2 = 4. If we follow this pattern then 14 + 14 becomes 5 + 5 = 10.

Up for more IQ-testing fun? Check out our collection of tricky brainteasers, riddles, and puzzles here. Or, learn more about your hidden personality traits with these mind-boggling optical illusions.