When I take 5 and add 6, I get 11, but when I take 6 and add 7, I get 1. What am I?
This riddle might look simple, but it has stumped countless people. At first glance, it seems impossible—how could 6 + 7 equal 1? But, as with the best riddles, the answer lies in rethinking what we know. Let’s dive in to understand the solution, which leads us to an unexpected place: the face of a clock.
Understanding the Riddle’s Logic: Thinking Beyond Basic Math
When we read, “take 5 and add 6, I get 11,” we naturally think of straightforward arithmetic, where 5 + 6 equals 11. But when we see “take 6 and add 7, I get 1,” it defies what we know about addition. This discrepancy is what makes the riddle so fascinating—it challenges us to break away from standard arithmetic and consider other systems.
The Key to Solving It: The Clock’s Circular Pattern
The trick to this riddle lies in recognizing that it’s referring to time on a clock rather than basic math. A clock face has numbers arranged in a continuous 12-hour cycle, so it functions on a modular system, where the numbers “wrap around” after reaching 12.
Think about it this way:
- If you start at 5 on a clock and move 6 hours forward, you arrive at 11.
- But if you start at 6 and move 7 hours forward, you reach 1 instead of 13 because the clock resets after 12.
This isn’t a flaw in math; it’s simply how the clock works. We’re used to counting beyond 12, but on a 12-hour clock, anything past 12 wraps back to the beginning. So, this puzzle cleverly uses the unique structure of a clock to create a seemingly unsolvable problem.
Breaking Down the Steps: Solving the Puzzle Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through each part of the riddle to see exactly how it aligns with the movement of a clock.
Step 1: Understanding 5 + 6 = 11
- Start at the number 5 on the clock.
- Move forward 6 hours (each “add” in this context is like moving forward one hour).
- After moving 6 hours from 5, you end up at 11.
Step 2: Understanding 6 + 7 = 1
- Start at the number 6 on the clock.
- Move forward 7 hours.
- When you reach the 12 mark after moving 6 hours, the next hour lands you back at 1, since clocks reset after 12.
It’s a clever way to remind us that clocks operate differently from the number line we’re used to.
Why This Puzzle is So Captivating
The puzzle uses our familiarity with arithmetic and combines it with a concept we don’t often consider—modular counting, as seen on a clock. It forces us to approach the problem from a new perspective, highlighting how different systems can operate under unique rules.
This type of riddle taps into an idea known as “lateral thinking.” Instead of following the typical, linear thought process, lateral thinking encourages us to consider less obvious possibilities. In this case, the riddle subtly invites us to “look at the clock,” challenging us to step out of standard math rules.
Another Fun Clock Puzzle to Try
If you enjoyed the clock-based thinking in this riddle, here’s another one to test your newfound skill:
“If it’s 3:00 now, what time will it be 100 hours from now?”
To solve this one, think about the clock’s 12-hour cycle again. Every 12 hours, the clock resets, so dividing 100 by 12 can help us see where it lands.
- 100 hours divided by 12 gives us a remainder of 4.
- Since it’s 3:00 now, adding 4 hours brings us to 7:00.
So, the answer is 7:00!
Why Clock Riddles Matter: They’re More Than Just Fun
Clock puzzles like these do more than just challenge our brains—they change the way we think about time, logic, and structure. These puzzles require us to think in circular patterns, just like the clock. They’re a reminder that our understanding of things can vary depending on the context or system we’re working within.
How to Use This Riddle with Friends and Family
This riddle makes a great conversation starter or mental challenge to share with friends and family. Here’s how to use it for a bit of brain-teasing fun:
- Ask the Riddle Without Giving Away the Clock Hint – Pose the riddle as it is, and see if they can come to the answer without any clues.
- Provide a Gentle Hint – If they get stuck, mention something about “thinking about how time works on a clock.”
- Explain the Solution and Explore the Concept Together – After solving it, discuss why the clock’s structure makes the answer possible.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge of Thinking Differently
This riddle and others like it remind us that sometimes the answer requires a shift in perspective. In a world where we’re often looking for direct solutions, clock riddles challenge us to see things from a circular viewpoint. The next time you’re looking for a fun, challenging riddle, remember this one—it’s a timeless brain teaser that teaches us the value of thinking differently.
