hardmath

If 1+9+8=1, what is 2+8+9?

10 Notice the first letter. One + Nine + Eight = ONE Two + Eight + Nine = TEN

Why this works

This riddle relies on a clever play on words rather than traditional arithmetic. When you look at the words "One," "Nine," and "Eight," and focus on their initial letters, they spell out "ONE" together. Similarly, when you take "Two," "Eight," and "Nine," the first letters spell "TEN." The riddle is about interpreting numbers as words, leading to a fun and unexpected answer!

Common Wrong Answers

“20”

This guess incorrectly assumes a standard arithmetic operation instead of interpreting the riddle's clue about letters.

“11”

This guess mistakenly adds the numbers and assumes a sum of digits instead of recognizing the wordplay involved.

“19”

This guess also follows a numeric addition approach, failing to see the connection between the words and their corresponding values.

More math riddles →More hard riddles →Browse all riddles →