What is the logic behind these seemingly absurd calculations?

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

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 the calculations seem “correct.” But if you pay attention, you’ll notice a pattern hidden 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

Therefore: 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 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 math knowledge 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