Michele Debczak

3 weeks ago | mentalfloss.com | Michele Debczak

Some viral math puzzles come from unexpected sources, like elementary school classrooms. This problem was intended for more advanced students, and it's been stumping people for at least 145 years. The question below, recently featured by the YouTube channel MindYourDecisions, allegedly appeared on MIT's 1876 entrance exam in the days before the SATs. Though it was written with brilliant young thinkers in mind, you don't need to be a math whiz to understand the problem.

3 weeks ago | mentalfloss.com | Michele Debczak

This tricky puzzle that stumped the web isn’t related to phonics or first-grade math. It’s a short riddle written in what appears to be plain English, but the longer you stare at it the more confounding it becomes. According to 22 Words, the question reads:If Teresa's daughter is my daughter's mother, what am I to Teresa? Confused? Based on the response on social media, you’re in good company. Luckily the brainteaser doesn’t stop there.

3 weeks ago | mentalfloss.com | Michele Debczak

For decades, marine animals have been forced to share their environment with modern garbage. Eight million metric tons of plastic end up in the oceans each year, and by 2050, the ocean's plastic content is expected to outweigh its fish. To raise awareness of this problem, the sustainable merchandise platform Teemill has designed the brainteaser below. See how long it takes you to find the turtle hiding in the scene.

3 weeks ago | mentalfloss.com | Michele Debczak

During the first weekend in June, the United Kingdom will be celebrating a historic first: a Platinum Jubilee for its long-reigning queen. Queen Elizabeth II has held the throne for 70 years, more time than any monarch in the nation's history. Her decades in the spotlight have made her recognizable far beyond her home country. But even if you're familiar with the queen's iconic look, you may have trouble spotting the illustrated version of her in the brainteaser below.

3 weeks ago | mentalfloss.com | Michele Debczak

Between gifts, parties, and the stream of text messages to respond to, birthdays can be a lot. The illustration below from Buyagift perfectly captures the chaotic fun of becoming one year older. Hidden among the birthday activities is a single gift—see how long it takes you to spot it. The gift experience provider put together this brainteaser after researching the most popular birthday presents in Britain that aren't physical items.