YOU may be smart enough for Harvard University if you’re able to solve this simple math brainteaser.
Unlike most riddles, this one has two answers, and 90% of people get it wrong — can you solve it?
The Dillon Fieldhouse at the Harvard University Athletic Complex in Boston, MassachusettsCredit: Getty Images
A math brainteaser reportedly used by Harvard University during their interview processCredit: x
A picture of a brainteaser reportedly used by Harvard University during their interview process hit social media in 2021.
To this day, many are still unable to answer the math question.
“If there are seven men with seven wives and each man and each wife have seven 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, what is the total number of people?” the question reads.
In an attempt to solve the collegiate-level question, answers ranged from as little as 21 people to 448.
Many believe it’s how the question would be interpreted.
Do you think you have what it takes to solve the riddle?
Depending on one’s interpretation, the answer could be between two options.
“This is ambiguous, which I guess is the point,” a social media user said.
“But let’s assume that there are just seven couples (seven men and seven wives), which equals 14 people.
“Each couple had seven kids, so that is 7×7=49 kids. Add ’em up and it is 63 people.”
Another quiz master attempted to answer it a different way.
“First let’s consider the possibility that each man has seven wives,” they wrote.
In solving the problem, they came to the conclusion that there are seven men with seven wives each, which would equate to 49 wives.
If the 49 wives had seven 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren each, there would be a total of 343 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren. The brain teaser connoisseur added their findings together.
“Total number of people = 7+49+343=3997+49+343=399 people,” they concluded.
Did you get one of these answers? If so, challenge yourself to other fun brainteasers below.
PUZZLING FUN
If solving math riddles is your thing, solve this number optical illusion to test if you have 20/20 vision and a high IQ.
This brain teaser by Immerse Education challenges you to find the different digits in a sea of the number 383.
If you believe you can solve it, set your time to 30 seconds and try your best.
Can you find the different digit in the sea of number 383?Credit: immerse education
If you need a hint, the number is just one digit different to 383.
A great way to solve the problem is by scanning the numbers row by row.
If you think you’ve found it, check your answer below.
While that brain teaser was straightforward, this next one is pretty tricky.
Hidden in this tapestry of bold patterns is a tiny spider.
If you can find the pesky insect in under 70 seconds, you may be a genius.
Can you spot the tiny spider hidden in this pattern-heavy photo?Credit: Flooring Hut
If you need a hint, try looking toward the top-right portion of the photo.
Should you still find the teaser to be difficult, the spider is hidden in the main central pattern.
Still struggling? Scroll down for the reveal.
Lastly, this holiday-themed brainteaser may come easily to eagle-eyes players.
Do you think you have what it takes?
If so, try to find the four hidden bottle caps within these Coca-Cola cans.
Can you spot the four bottle caps in this Coca-Cola photo?Credit: The Coca-Cola Co.
Try looking closely at each polar bear’s face if you need a hint.
Think you’ve got it? Check your answer below.
The number 363 was hidden at the middle-right side of the photoCredit: immerse education
The spider was hiding at the top-right corner of the photoCredit: Flooring Hut
The bottle caps took the place of the polar bear’s eyesCredit: The Coca-Cola Co.
