Find the Missing Number: The Puzzle That’s Challenging Everyone

Number puzzles are a fun and brain-boosting way to sharpen your logic. At first glance, the one shown in the image above looks simple. You’re asked to find the missing number in the bottom right corner of a 3×3 grid. But as with most good puzzles, there’s a twist hiding in the logic.

Let’s take a closer look.

---

The Puzzle Grid

The grid has three rows and three columns. The first two numbers in each row seem random—until you spot the pattern in the third column:

sqlCopiazăEditeazăRow 1: 4    8    20  
Row 2: 9    3    15  
Row 3: 6    6    ?

We’re tasked with solving for the question mark (?) in the bottom-right corner.

---

Step-by-Step Analysis

Let’s examine each row and look for a relationship between the first two numbers and the third one.

Row 1:

4 and 8 → 20
How can we get 20 from 4 and 8?

Try this:

yamlCopiazăEditează(4 + 8) + (4 x 1) = 12 + 4 = 16 → No  
(4 x 2) + (8 x 1) = 8 + 8 = 16 → No  
(4 x 1) + (8 x 2) = 4 + 16 = 20 → YES

Now check:

sqlCopiazăEditează(First number x 1) + (Second number x 2) = Result  
(4 x 1) + (8 x 2) = 4 + 16 = 20

Pattern seems promising.

---

Row 2:

9 and 3 → 15

Let’s test the same pattern:

CopiazăEditează(9 x 1) + (3 x 2) = 9 + 6 = 15  
✔ Works again

---

Row 3:

6 and 6 → ?

Apply the same pattern:

csharpCopiazăEditează(6 x 1) + (6 x 2) = 6 + 12 = 18  
✔ So the missing number is **18**

---

Final Answer: 18

The logic is simple once uncovered:

Third number = (First number × 1) + (Second number × 2)

This kind of brain teaser is a great exercise in pattern recognition and lateral thinking. It’s not about complex math, but spotting the hidden structure.

---

Why Puzzles Like These Matter

Brain teasers like this one do more than just pass time—they stimulate logical thinking, improve focus, and give your problem-solving muscles a workout. They’re especially useful for students, job interview prep, and anyone who enjoys a mental challenge.

So, next time you see a “find the missing number” puzzle, don’t assume it’s child’s play. The answer may not be obvious—but it’s always there, waiting for the right logic to crack it.

---

Challenge your friends—can they find the pattern and solve it too?