Keeping your mind sharp is crucial, and one entertaining method to do so is by tackling a brainteaser. Wizeprep has recently posted a puzzle on social media that could indicate if you have a high IQ.
The challenge involves arranging the numbers one to nine within nine circles around a triangle, ensuring each side totals 17. The accompanying video states: “If you can solve this brainteaser, you are a math wizard. The rules are simple, place the numbers one to nine in the circles below so that every side adds up to 17. Every number must be used – so no repeating numbers.”
Fancy testing your numerical prowess? Pause for a moment to work out the solution before we reveal the answer. Mindvalley suggests that “lateral thinking is a form of problem-solving that utilizes a more creative, less direct approach to the problem.” They add: “The brain is neuroplastic, meaning it has the ability to shift and change over time.
“Many people believe our brains age as we do, growing less powerful, less capable, and less competent over time. What most don’t realise, however, is that you have the ability to manipulate your brain the way a sculptor moulds clay.
“The brain is susceptible to all we expose it to-people, music, work-even the physical environments we traverse on a day-to-day basis. Everything we partake in has the potential to subtly shift the wiring of our brain.”
Enthusiastic puzzle fans have been quick to reveal the methods behind solving a challenging brainteaser. One user exclaimed: “Right side top down 1, 9, 5, 2 = 17 Left side top down 1, 6, 7, 3 = 17 Bottom left to right 3, 4, 8, 2 = 17.”
Meanwhile another shared their joy at cracking the code: “Took me five minutes. I feel nice.” A third brainy individual pointed out: “To solve it, the key is that 1 to 9 sum 45 and 3×17 is 51, so numbers in the corners must sum 6= 1+2+3. Finding the rest is straightforward…” Echoing the sentiments, another person tweeted: “This was great. Thank you! ! I got it within three minutes.”
Finally, another user shared a hint, saying: “Clue: 1 to 9 sum to 45. the three sets of 4 numbers add to 51 (3*17) therefore numbers totalling 6 are counted twice. those go in corners.”