Tricky maths question asks 'which number is bigger' - it's harder than it looks

13 October 2023 , 06:00

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Let's see if you can figure out this difficult maths question (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

Testing yourself with difficult questions is a great way to keep your brain nimble and test your ability. While maths is one of those subjects that people either love or hate, it is a good way to challenge yourself.

For some people, multiplication, subtraction and anything involving numbers come easy, while others really have to work hard to understand how it all works. There's no disputing that when you successfully solve a really challenging arithmetic problem, you feel proud of yourself. There is one difficult maths question that is harder than it looks, so, let's see if you can figure it out.

Which number is bigger? The product of all the numbers from 1 to 10 (meaning 1 x 2 x 3 x…x 9 x 10, and usually written 10) or the number of seconds in six weeks? It should go without saying but you are not allowed to solve this one using a calculator. We'll give you some time to try and figure it out and it would be useful to grab a pen and paper.

The mind-boggling question isn't a straightforward one and requires a specific type of brain power to get it. So, if you think you've got it, props to you. However, don't worry, the answer is below - and you will kick yourself when you realise what it is.

Drum roll, please… The numbers are the same. We told you you'd kick yourself. The number of seconds in six weeks is 6 x 7 x 24 x 60 x 60 = 6 x 7 x (3 x 8) x (5 x 4 x 3) x (5 x 4 x 3) = 10 x 9 x 8 x 7 x 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1. It's very satisfying that six weeks of seconds is 10!

Parents stumped by maths question for 10-year-olds - see if you can solve it

If your brain feels soothed after figuring that one out, you'll be pleased to know the numbers align perfectly thanks to our rather arbitary time measurements. Another example is that the number of minutes in Feburary is eight, and the number of milliseconds in one day equates to to 55 x 44 x 33 x 22 x 11.

If you enjoyed trying to figure that out, why not try this similar maths pattern question, where you have to work out what the final answer is - but again, it's not just a straightforward sum. The problem is: 2+3 = 10, 8+4 = 96, 7+2 = 63, 6+5 = 66 and then you have to work out, 9+5 = ???. At first glance, it may look like all you have to do is add the numbers together, but of course it's not that easy.

Many social media users struggled to work the correct answer out with various attempts being shared. One person suggested the answer must be 14, while another suggested 23 or 70. However, the answer is actually 126.

Billie Schwab Dunn