This viral math puzzle has been making rounds on Instagram. Can you solve it… and more importantly, how long will it take you? Whether it’s solving a math problem, finding a hidden object, or guessing a word, brain teasers always have an addictive charm and appeal to everyone.
If you’re looking for one right now, we have just the puzzle for you, and it might keep you engaged for quite a while. This is a very simple math problem… or at least it seems simple at first glance. Do you think you can solve it?
In a video shared on Instagram, a man challenges strangers for a prize of 5,000 rupees.
The equation he presents is as follows:
Throughout the video, many people tried to provide answers… but none came up with the one the man was looking for. And you, can you solve this math riddle?
The video quickly became popular, amassing over 2 million views.
In the comments, people shared their thoughts… and it seems the answers vary widely.
For example:
One user claims, “The correct answer is 18. 10 ÷ 1/2 – 2 → 10 ÷ 0.5 – 2 = 20 – 2 = 18.”
Another counters: “The answer is zero because ‘10 ÷ the half’ means taking half of 10, which is 5, so 10 ÷ 5 = 2 → 2 – 2 = 0.”
A third person comments, “10 ÷ half – 2. Solution: 10 ÷ 5 – 2 → 2 – 2 = 0.”
And a fourth simply confirms, “0 is the correct answer.”
In the comments, users seem divided between “0” and “18” as the correct answers.
So… did you manage to solve this riddle? What answer did you come up with?
And most importantly, how long did it take you?
Here is the solution we found
The crux of the riddle lies in the interpretation of “half.” Two readings are possible:
- Half of 10 → 10 ÷ (10 ÷ 2) = 10 ÷ 5
- 1/2 as a value → 10 ÷ (1/2)
Applying the division
Case 1: half = 1/2
If we take half as 1/2:
10÷1/2=10×2=20
Then we subtract 2:
20−2=18
Result: 18
Case 2: half = half of 10 = 5
If we take half as the half of 10:
10÷5=2
Then we subtract 2:
2−2=0
Result: 0
Conclusion
Thus, the answer entirely depends on how one interprets the word “half.”
- If “half” = 1/2, the answer is 18.
- If “half” = the half of 10, the answer is 0.
This very ambiguity is what made this riddle go viral: people are debating which interpretation is correct.
So… where do you stand? Are you more inclined towards “18” or “0”?
Before you go, check out more brain teasers to challenge your mind by clicking here.
