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Maths Puzzles With Answers

By Karan Singh Bisht

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Updated on 19 Feb 2025, 18:09 IST

Here, you'll find math puzzles with solutions to help you solve various challenges effortlessly using smart tricks and tips. These puzzles are designed to enhance problem-solving and logical thinking skills. This article provides solved math puzzles along with additional exercises for extra practice.

Maths Puzzles With Answers

What are Maths puzzles?

A maths puzzle is a problem that relies on mathematical principles, numerical rules, and logical reasoning for its solution. Solving these puzzles requires critical thinking and a strong grasp of mathematical concepts. Mathematics itself is the study of numbers, shapes, quantities, space, and change—though its exact definition varies among scholars and experts.

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Math puzzles are a significant part of recreational mathematics and are designed to be engaging and thought-provoking. Unlike competitive games, these puzzles focus on individual problem-solving, where the solver must find an answer that meets the given conditions. They often require basic mathematical knowledge to solve, making them an excellent way to sharpen problem-solving skills.

One of the most popular categories of maths puzzles is logic puzzles, which not only help in academic learning but also serve as a fun activity during leisure time. In this guide, we will explore strategies to solve maths riddles effectively. Additionally, we have provided math riddles with answers to help students practice and improve their problem-solving skills.

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Maths Puzzles Tricks

Solving math puzzles becomes easier with the right approach. Follow these steps to tackle any type of puzzle efficiently:

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  • Read the question carefully – Get a quick overview of the problem.
  • Analyze the statements and patterns – Identify key details and relationships in the puzzle.
  • Understand the theme – Develop a general idea of what the problem is about.
  • Extract relevant data – Focus on concrete information that helps eliminate unlikely options.
  • Apply logical possibilities – Test different scenarios based on the given conditions.
  • Find the best solution – The possibility that fully satisfies the conditions is your answer.

Also Check: Puzzles Involving Numbers

Maths Puzzles Questions and Answers

Example 1. Find the missing number

Solution: 

In the given puzzle,

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5 × 8 = 40

5 × 6 = 30

8 × 3 = 24

6 × 3 = 18

Therefore, the missing number is 18.

Example 2. Solve the below Maths puzzle:

Solution:

From the given, it can be observed that the addition of numbers exists.

In the top triangle, 4 + 6 + 12 = 22

In the second row, the second triangle has a sum of three numbers; 8 + 3 + 11 = 22

Thus, the missing number in the puzzle is:

7 + 5 + 13 = 25

Example 3. Identify the number to be written in the empty place.

Solution: In the given puzzles, the sum of three numbers (both in columns and rows) is 15.

8 + 3 + 4 = 15

6 + 7 + 2 = 15

8 + 1 + 6 = 15

3 + 5 + 7 = 15

Let x be the missing number.

4 + x + 2 = 15

6 + x = 15

x = 15 – 6 = 9

Hence, the required number is 9.

Example 4. Solve the puzzle:

Solution: From the given, it can be observed that multiplication and addition are involved in the problem.

This can be solved by assuming some constant for each object and solving based on the condition given.

In the first row, each apple possesses the number 3 since 3 x 3 x 3 = 27

In the second row, let each mango hold “m” such that:

3 × m × m × m = 24

m3 = 24/3

m3 = 8

m = 2

Each mango = 2

In the third row:

Let each orange equal to “R”.

Thus, 3 × 2 × R × R = 96

6 × R2 = 96

R2 = 96/6

R2 = 16

R = 4

Each orange = 4

Finally, in the third row:

Orange + Apple × Mango = 4 + 3 × 2 = 4 + 6 = 10

Example 5. What is the missing number in the following puzzle?

Solution: In the given puzzles, the sum of two numbers in the opposite portions is the same.

11 + 13 = 24

7 + 17 = 24

8 + 16 = 24

4 + ? = 24

? = 24 – 4 = 20

Thus, the missing number is equal to 20.

Example 6. Consider the following:

A + B = 15

B × C = 84

C ÷ 4 = 3

B + D = 18

Find the value of D.

Solution: Given,

A + B = 15

B × C = 84

C ÷ 4 = 3

B + D = 18

Consider C ÷ 4 = 3.

C/4 = 3

C = 3 × 4 = 12

Now, B × C = 84

B × 12 = 84

B = 84/12 = 7

From the given,

A + B = 15

A + 7 = 15

A = 15 – 7 = 8

Also, B + D = 18

7 + D = 18

D = 18 – 7 = 11

Tricky maths puzzles with answers

Engaging with tricky maths puzzles with answers pdf is an excellent way to enhance problem-solving skills and logical reasoning. Below are some challenging math puzzles along with their solutions:

The Parking Space Puzzle

Puzzle: What is the number of the parking space covered by the car?

Solution: If you flip the image upside down, you'll see that the numbers are in sequence. The parking space number is 87.

The Apple Basket

Puzzle: If you have five apples in a basket and you give away all but four, how many apples do you have left?

Solution: You have four apples left, as you gave away all but four.

The Ladder and the Rising Tide

Puzzle: A ship has a ladder hanging over its side with the bottom rung touching the water. The rungs are 20 cm apart, and the ladder is 200 cm long. If the tide rises at a rate of 10 cm per hour, how long will it take before the water reaches the fifth rung?

Solution: The water will never reach the fifth rung because as the tide rises, the ship (and the ladder) rises with it.

The Mysterious Number

Puzzle: I am a three-digit number. My tens digit is five more than my ones digit, and my hundreds digit is eight less than my tens digit. What number am I?

Solution: The number is 194. Explanation: Let the ones digit be x. Then, the tens digit is x + 5, and the hundreds digit is (x + 5) - 8, which simplifies to x - 3. Setting up the equation: 100(x - 3) + 10(x + 5) + x =

194. Solving for x gives x = 4.

The Age Riddle

Puzzle: Two years ago, I was three times as old as my son. In three years, I will be twice as old as he will be. How old are we now?

Solution: I am 41 years old, and my son is 13. Explanation: Let my current age be M and my son's current age be S. Two years ago: M - 2 = 3(S - 2). In three years: M + 3 = 2(S + 3). Solving these equations simultaneously gives M = 41 and S = 13.

Maths Puzzles With Answers PDF FAQs

What are Mathematical puzzles?

Mathematical puzzles are problems or games that require mathematical thought and techniques to solve. They encompass a wide range of challenges, from simple riddles to complex problems, and are designed to engage individuals in critical thinking and problem-solving.

What are the different types of Maths Puzzles?

Types of Mathematical Puzzles:

  • Logic Puzzles: Challenges that require deductive reasoning to arrive at a solution.
  • Number Puzzles: Problems that involve numerical manipulation or finding patterns among numbers.
  • Geometry Puzzles: Puzzles that involve shapes, sizes, and the properties of space.
  • Algebraic Puzzles: Problems that require forming and solving equations.
  • Combinatorial Puzzles: Challenges that involve counting, arrangement, and combination of sets.
  • Recreational Mathematics: Fun and engaging problems that entertain while providing mathematical insight.

What are the advantages of solving mathematical puzzles?

Advantages of Solving Mathematical Puzzles:

  1. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Regular engagement with puzzles improves the ability to approach and solve various problems methodically.
  2. Develops Critical Thinking: Puzzles encourage analyzing situations from different angles, fostering deeper understanding.
  3. Improves Memory and Concentration: Solving puzzles requires retaining information and focusing, which strengthens these cognitive functions.
  4. Encourages Persistence: Working through challenging puzzles teaches perseverance and resilience.
  5. Makes Learning Enjoyable: Puzzles add a fun element to learning, increasing engagement and motivation.

What are some simple math questions?

Simple Math Questions are-

Q1. What is 7 + 5?

Answer: 12

Q2. If you have three apples and buy two more, how many apples do you have?

Answer: Five apples

Q3. What is 15 divided by 3?

Answer: 5

Q4. What is the next number in the sequence: 2, 4, 6, 8, __?

Answer: 10

Q5. If a rectangle has a length of 10 units and a width of 4 units, what is its area?

Answer: 40 square units

What are some good math riddles with answers?

Good Math Riddles with Answers:

Q1. Riddle: I am an odd number. Take away one letter, and I become even. What number am I?

Answer: Seven (remove the 's' to get 'even')

Q2. Riddle: What three positive numbers give the same result when multiplied and added together?

Answer: 1, 2, and 3 (1 + 2 + 3 = 6 and 1 × 2 × 3 = 6)

Q3. Riddle: A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?

Answer: The ball costs $0.05, and the bat costs $1.05.

Q4. Riddle: If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is it?

Answer: Zero

Q5. Riddle: What number goes up and doesn’t come back down?

Answer: Your age

How to solve math puzzles?

Below are the steps to Solve Math Puzzles:

  • Understand the Problem: Read the puzzle carefully to comprehend what is being asked.
  • Identify Known and Unknown Information: Determine what information is provided and what needs to be found.
  • Devise a Plan: Consider possible strategies, such as drawing diagrams, creating equations, or breaking the problem into manageable parts.
  • Execute the Plan: Apply the chosen strategy methodically, ensuring each step follows logically.
  • Review the Solution: Check the answer to ensure it satisfies the conditions of the puzzle and that no errors were made during the process.
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