You have exceptional eyesight if you spot the elusive number hiding in the 89s

05 February 2024 , 17:00

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Can you find the number 98?

Those with "exceptional" eyesight will be able to spot the hidden number in this puzzle.

Just like your body, your brain needs exercise to keep it healthy and puzzles are a good way of keeping your mind active. Puzzles not only test your mind but they can also test your eyesight too. Optical illusions are puzzles that require you to look at things in a different way to find a hidden thing or object - something that an untrained eye would usually miss.

This optical illusion - which consists of rows upon rows of the number 89 - requires you to find the number 98 - the catch? you need to find it in eight seconds.

Now this may sound pretty simple, but it's actually much harder than you initially believe as the arrangement of the numbers is not random. Instead, it is carefully crafted to test your visual acuity and processing speed.

You only have eight seconds to find the number 98

So why is this challenge so difficult?

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This optical illusion is hard due to the similarity between the digits 98 and 89. They may only be reversed numbers, but when they are packed together closely like this your eyes find it harder to see the difference. The challenge is made harder with the time pressure as your brain has to process a lot in such a short space of time.

If you are giving this challenge a go, you should approach it with a more relaxed mind. Rather than focusing on each number, you should relax your gaze and allow your peripheral vision to take over - this will allow you to notice changes in patterns more easily. You can also scan the image, either through vertical or horizontal sweeps, which will allow you to cover more of the picture quickly.

Have you found the 98? Well, we are about to show you where it is so if you're still looking - don't scroll any further.

Answer

This shows the answer - so look away if you haven't found it yet!

The number 98 was located in the twelfth row across and the eleventh row down.

Did you manage to solve the puzzle? Comment your thoughts below.

Ruby Flanagan