What is the logic behind these seemingly absurd calculations?

(Dan Tri) - Can you find the hidden rules behind these "absurd" math operations?

A math puzzle is going viral on social media. The problem consists of a series of seemingly absurd additions:

Behind the "wrong" math operations is a hidden rule (Photo: DM).

3 + 4 = 19

5 + 6 = 41

2 + 8 = 66

5 + 1 = ?

At first glance, none of these calculations seem “correct.” But if you pay attention, you’ll notice a pattern behind these “wrong” calculations. In fact, they all implicitly use the formula a + b².

For example:

3 + 4² = 3 + 16 = 19

5 + 6² = 5 + 36 = 41

2 + 8² = 2 + 64 = 66

Hence: 5 + 1² = 5 + 1 = 6

The hidden rules are the appeal of these puzzles, because they challenge conventional thinking, requiring the solver to have sharp thinking.

Another riddle that is also taking social media by storm:

Can you find the hidden pattern behind the numbers? (Photo: DM).

3 1 2 = 36

4 1 2 = 47

5 1 2 = 58

6 1 2 = ?

The logic behind this puzzle is: Take the first digit as the tens place, then add the three digits together to create the units place.

3 + 1 + 2 = 6 → creates the number 36

4 + 1 + 2 = 7 → creates the number 47

5 + 1 + 2 = 8 → creates the number 58

6 + 1 + 2 = 9 → so the answer is: 69

These types of questions are not based on traditional mathematics but on a creative type of calculation. Their purpose is not only to test IQ, but also to help train flexible thinking and the ability to look at problems from different perspectives.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/logic-dang-sau-nhung-phep-toan-tuong-chung-vo-ly-nay-la-gi-20250709161730207.htm