So, here it is:
Photo Credit: Gawker
The answer is definitely not 6.
It’s an old puzzle that’s been around in this form for at least 40 years in the U.S.
The older you are, the better I’d guess your chances might be.
It is not 6.
How did you try to solve the puzzle?
Did you use addition? Don’t do that.
Multiplication? Nope.
Here’s a hint that might just confuse you more:
Photo Credit: Gawker/DYK
Algebra? Calc? Trig?
You’re getting warmer, but probably not in the way you think.
In fact, if you used conventional math to try and solve or prove this problem as if it was an equation, that was probably your first mistake.
It’s not a math problem:
Photo Credit: Gawker/DYK
Did those lines help?
It’s still not 6.
Or 8.
Or 5.
Or 3.
It’s not even a number.
And, I’m running out of hints.
I could throw out a bunch of puns about finding the differential in this non-equation…
Or how a shift in technology means that most millennials and even Gen-Xers would automatically be at a disadvantage…
But, most boomers will be geared up for how easy this one is…
Not that I’m picking sides in the generation wars.
I try to stay neutral…
If that didn’t give it all away, nothing will.
Okay, here we go: the answer is “R.”
See, it’s not a math problem. It’s a diagram for a five-speed manual gear-shift pattern.
The sixth slot is for the reverse gear.
Real talk… I’m 38, I just traded in my fourth car with a manual transmission a few months ago, and I still didn’t get this one.
So, if you didn’t either, maybe you shouldn’t feel so bad.
(h/t: Gawker, Bright Side)
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