A perplexing math challenge has taken social media by storm, leaving many scratching their heads. At first glance, the sequence appears to break basic arithmetic rules—but a deeper look reveals an elegant hidden pattern. Let’s unravel the mystery step by step.
The Puzzle
The problem presents the following equations:
1 + 4 = 5
2 + 5 = 12
3 + 6 = 21
5 + 8 = ?
At first, these equations seem mathematically incorrect. However, they follow a clever cumulative logic rather than simple addition.
Breaking Down the Pattern
Step 1: The First Equation (1 + 4 = 5)
This one holds true under standard addition:
1 + 4 = 5
But it also sets the stage for the cumulative pattern.
Step 2: The Second Equation (2 + 5 = 12)
Normally, 2 + 5 = 7, but the answer given is 12.
The trick? Add the previous equation’s result (5) to the current sum (7):
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