In the world of brain teasers and logic puzzles, not everything is as simple as it seems. Some challenges are designed to mislead your instincts — they look easy at first glance, but the deeper you dive, the trickier they become. The puzzle below is a perfect example of that subtle complexity:
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
27 38 ?
The question is: What number should replace the question mark (?) in the final row?
Step 1: Observing the Layout
The grid contains three columns, each with three numbers on top and one result at the bottom. The top row contains the numbers 1, 2, 3. The second row has 4, 5, 6. The third row shows 7, 8, 9. And the last row contains the partial results: 27, 38, and an unknown.
The goal is to figure out the logic that links the three numbers in each column to their corresponding result.
Step 2: Trying Basic Arithmetic
Let’s begin with the usual suspects — addition and multiplication.
Simple Addition:
- Column 1: 1 + 4 + 7 = 12 → not 27
- Column 2: 2 + 5 + 8 = 15 → not 38
- Column 3: 3 + 6 + 9 = 18 → doesn’t work either
Simple Multiplication:
- Column 1: 1 × 4 × 7 = 28 → close, but not 27
- Column 2: 2 × 5 × 8 = 80 → far off
- Column 3: 3 × 6 × 9 = 162 → way too high
→ So, basic operations applied to all three numbers don’t seem to work.
Video: Can you solve the Viral 27, 38 Puzzle ? Math Puzzles with Answers
Step 3: Narrowing the Focus
Instead of applying operations to all three numbers at once, let’s try working with pairs.
Column 1:
Middle × Bottom = 4 × 7 = 28
28 – Top = 28 – 1 = 27 ✅
Let’s apply the same logic to Column 2.
Column 2:
Middle × Bottom = 5 × 8 = 40
40 – Top = 40 – 2 = 38 ✅
That works perfectly for both.
Step 4: Confirming the Rule
So far, we see a clear pattern:
(Middle × Bottom) – Top = Result
Let’s test it on the third column.
Column 3:
Middle = 6
Bottom = 9
Top = 3
→ 6 × 9 = 54
→ 54 – 3 = 51 ✅
It fits! The logic holds.
Video: The Viral 1 + 4 = 5 Puzzle : Maths Puzzles with Answers
Step 5: Final Rule
The pattern can be summarized as:
Result=(Middle Number×Bottom Number)−Top Number
Using this formula for Column 3:
- Top: 3
- Middle: 6
- Bottom: 9
6×9=54
54−3=51
Conclusion
After trying and eliminating basic strategies, we uncovered a precise logic that connects the numbers in each column using multiplication and subtraction.
The final answer to the puzzle is:
✅ Answer: 51
This puzzle is a great reminder that sometimes the solution isn’t found in the obvious. Instead of rushing into full-column operations, breaking the problem into parts — and trying creative combinations like multiplying and subtracting — can lead you to the truth.
Did you solve it before reaching the end? If so, congratulations — your logic skills are on point!
